Crisis preparedness and management training in Bangladesh through cross-cultural techniques

Abstract

Bangladesh has experienced a variety of natural (i.e., flood, cyclone) and manmade (terrorism) disasters. To date, the consequences of these disasters have not been widely recognized and responded to within the mental health realm. The goal of this research was to investigate crisis response techniques used in the reduction of mental health disorders in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Further, crisis intervention programs, such as PREPaRE and NOVA with an emphasis on cross-cultural techniques were examined for use in the development of a crisis response program specific for the country of Bangladesh. The study details the development of the Crisis Preparedness and Management for Mental Health (CPM-MH) program and the evaluation of four CPM-MH workshop trainings conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh between 2017 and 2018. Pre-tests and post-tests, and program evaluations were analyzed for 95 participants of Bengali decent with English as a second language having attended Crisis Preparedness and Management for Mental Health five-day workshops. A Bangla speaking cofacilitator was used for summary of material and training assistance. Results indicated a significant decrease in anxiety when required to conduct a crisis intervention and a significant increase in knowledge of the variables impacting crisis response. Further, results yielded a significant increase for a positive attitude in crisis preparedness and management activities, and a significant increase in knowledge and characteristics of a crisis event. Qualitative data analysis of the three open-ended questions on program evaluations indicated common themes from participants related to knowledge of the presenter, strength Running head: CRISIS PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT 8 of the training process, crisis-training techniques, introduction to new concepts, relevancy of crisis training for the community, training conducted in both English and Bangla, and additional days to the current training. After successful participants completion of the training program, the implementation of the CPMMH training program contributed to building local and national capacity for crisis responders to deliver effective psychological intervention for crisis stabilization to survivors of disasters. There is a critical need for the continual activation of psychosocial support and increased manpower for community-based volunteers as well as a standardized protocol and mechanisms for crisis response at a country and city level.