Study on South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention (SAASI) for PTSD
Background
Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant issues among South African adolescents. Sleep disturbances are common in individuals dealing with PTSD. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of the South African Adolescence Group Sleep Intervention on PTSD symptom severity and sleep disturbance.
Method
Sixty-one adolescents with PTSD and sleep disturbance were randomly assigned to receive either individual or group sessions of the sleep intervention (SAASI) or to a control group. Participants completed the Child PTSD symptom scale for DSM5 (CPSS-5) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among other measures. The trial was registered on the Pan African Trial Registry (PACTR202208559723690).
Results
Both groups showed a significant decrease in PSQI scores over time, indicating no overall intervention effect. The difference in CPSS-SR-5 scores increased over time, suggesting that PTSD symptom severity decreased more in the intervention group than the control group. However, the dropout rate was higher than expected for both groups, mostly due to school commitments or travel.
Conclusions
Early findings suggest a trend towards improvement in sleep quality and PTSD symptom severity in adolescents receiving the group sleep intervention (SAASI). Further investigation in a properly powered RCT with detailed retention planning is indicated.
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