The Helping Hand in Ukraine: Feasibility and Potential Impact

Abstract

Background New services are needed to prevent mental health consequences of the war in Ukraine. Ten adolescents self-recruited to use and evaluate the Ukrainian version of the Helping Hand (HH) in Odessa, Ukraine. From April to June 2023 they participated in a 10-sessions group program where they played the cognitive behavioral game app, shared stories, and engaged in activities to enhance their coping skills. Methods A mixed method, quantitative-qualitative design was used to get insight in the potential impact and feasibility of the HH for Ukrainian adolescents´ mental health and well- being during war. Feasability of the intervention was assessed by a questionnaire to the adolescents, anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention by a standardized and validated adolescent-completed questionnaire. An interview with the psychologist who implemented the intervention was used to interpret the data completed by the adolescents. Results Eight of ten adolescents completed the HH intervention, and the psychologist found the HH useful and culturally appropriate. The adolescents reported that the intervention made it easier to talk about feelings and thoughts, facilitated help-seeking, and improved coping with challenges. The average anxiety and depression symptoms decreased from before the intervention (M = 20.4) to after (M = 15.0), showing a moderate effect size. Conclusion The results indicated that the HH has a high potential in preventing mental health consequences in Ukraine.