App-based Psychosocial Intervention to Enhance Quality of Life in Arabic-speaking Refugees Residing in Switzerland

Efficacy of an Unguided or Peer-guided App-based Psychosocial Intervention to Enhance Quality of Life in Arabic-speaking Refugees Residing in Switzerland: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The ongoing warfare and economic instability in the Middle East and in North Africa causes many people to leave their home countries. Arrived in a host countries, in this example, in Switzerland, they face a lot of structural and psychosocial hurdles. Particularly in the first years, building up a certain quality of life is complicated and challenging. To support this process, the Swiss Red Cross and the University of Bern have developed the Sui app. It contains structural and social information as well as low-intensity psychological tools to provide support to the everyday life of Arabic-speaking people in Switzerland.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Arabic as native or second language
• Good knowledge of reading, writing and speaking Arabic
• Have lived in Switzerland for no longer than 5 years
• Give written consent
• Have access to a smartphone and an internet connection
• Indicate an emergency contact whom they could contact in event of a crisis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Indicate an increased risk of self-harm or suicide at baseline
• Indicate having been diagnosed with psychosis or bipolar disorder
• Be participating in a similar study at baseline
• Have a lack of written and spoken Arabic skills