Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa carry a heavy burden of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health challenges. Researchers are now testing Church-based Problem-Solving Therapy through the Mpata Yathu trial in Zambia. This study aims to address the intersection of GBV, HIV risk, and depressive symptoms using a community-led approach. By integrating psychological support into religious settings, the project seeks to bridge the gap in formal mental health care.

How Church-based Problem-Solving Therapy Works

The Mpata Yathu intervention adapts the successful Friendship Bench model from Zimbabwe for the Zambian context. Trained lay counselors, including pastors, teachers, and peer navigators, deliver six individual sessions. These sessions occur within private, trusted church spaces. Consequently, the program bypasses traditional barriers like high costs and clinical stigma associated with hospital-based care. Furthermore, the model uses trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches to ensure safety and sensitivity.

This hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial involves 180 participants aged 15 to 24. These young women screen positive for common mental disorder (CMD) symptoms and report a history of GBV. The intervention arm receives immediate therapy, while the control group follows a waitlist protocol. Notably, the study measures primary outcomes like depressive symptoms at three and six months. Researchers also track secondary outcomes such as HIV service engagement and coping self-efficacy.

Improving Outcomes through Community Integration

By utilizing religious settings, the study leverages established and trusted social structures. This approach significantly improves the feasibility and accessibility of mental health services in low-resource areas. Moreover, the trial uses the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to evaluate process outcomes. Ultimately, these findings may provide a scalable model for integrating mental health and HIV care in similar settings worldwide. Additionally, the study will explore how improved mental health directly mediates better HIV prevention and treatment outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Mpata Yathu trial?

The primary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a church-based problem-solving therapy model. It specifically targets young women in Zambia who have experienced gender-based violence and exhibit symptoms of common mental disorders.

Who delivers the therapy in this study?

Trained community lay counselors deliver the therapy. This group includes pastors, teachers, and other trusted community members who receive specialized training in trauma-informed care and psychological first aid.

How is the intervention adapted for the local context?

The intervention is adapted from the Friendship Bench model through community-partnered participatory research. This ensures the Church-based Problem-Solving Therapy meets the specific sociocultural needs of Zambian youth while maintaining clinical rigor.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Ahmed CV et al. Church-based problem-solving therapy for adolescent girls and young women with a history of gender-based violence in Zambia: study protocol for a hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2026 Apr 10. doi: 10.1186/s13063-026-09625-3. PMID: 41957660.

ClinicalTrials.gov. Mpata Yathu Trial for Young Women in Zambia. NCT07132905. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07132905

Chibanda D, Weiss HA, Verhey R, et al. Effect of a Primary Care–Based Psychological Intervention on Symptoms of Common Mental Disorders in Zimbabwe: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(24):2618–2626. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19102