Feasibility and acceptability of brief individual interpersonal psychotherapy among university students with mental distress in Ethiopia

Abstract Background The prevalence of mental distress among university students in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is increasing; however, the majority do not receive evidence-based psychological intervention. This calls for provision culturally adapted therapy higher education institutions LMICs. aim this pilot study to evaluate feasibility acceptability Interpersonal Psychotherapy Ethiopia (IPT-E) Wolaita Sodo University assess preliminary outcomes IPT-E reducing symptoms improving functioning. Methods We used a quasi-experimental single-group pre-post-test design. As indicators IPT-E, we consent, treatment completion attrition. Client Satisfaction Questionnaire semi-structured interview measure intervention, self-reporting checklist adherence World Health Organization Disability Assessment Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 tools functional impairment distress, respectively. percentage, frequency, mean standard deviation summarize demographic variables, IPT-E. analyzed changes from pre- post-tests functioning results using paired t-test Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Independent sample one way-ANOVA difference score variables at baseline eight weeks. qualitative data was with support open code 4.02. Results feasible (consent rate = 100%; 92.31%; attrition 7.69%; sessions 8 mode session 8). total satisfaction 27.83 (SD 4.47). After delivery were decreased, improved therapist model 100% (i.e. delivered according guideline). Conclusion acceptable treat low-income country setting. also suggest promising viability setting anxiety depression.