Exposure to traumatic events is common globally and is associated with significant burden and distress. Approximately 64% of the Kenyan population has experienced at least one traumatic event, often resulting in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Up to 16% of Kenyans are diagnosed with PTSD or depression in any given year, making these among the most common mental disorders in Kenya. While effective treatments exist for PTSD, resources and access to care are limited in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. This highlights the need for new, accessible treatment options. This highlights the need for new, accessible treatment options.
One approach to expand access to trauma care is through digital tools, such as mobile apps or internet-based interventions. Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) one such intervention approach that can be delivered using mobile technology. STAIR Coach, a mobile app version of STAIR, offers a low-cost, low-intensity intervention, which makes it a promising tool to reach more people in Kenya with trauma exposure.
STAIR Coach provides strategies for better emotion control and interpersonal skills, targeting common issues in trauma-exposed populations. It is designed to support well-being and social functioning rather than to diagnose or cure trauma-related disorders. This tool may be especially helpful in Kenya, where mobile technology could expand access to mental health support. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of STAIR Coach in Kenyan clinics. It will examine whether this app-based intervention can effectively support PTSD-affected individuals’ general well-being. The study will also enhance our understanding of PTSD treatment for African populations and strengthen collaborative mental health research between the U.S. and Africa.
