Hope Groups: A Randomised Controlled Trial Testing a Mental Health and Parenting Support Group for Sudanese Families Affected by War

This research is a two-armed pragmatic randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of ‘Hope Groups’ compared to a wait-list control group, among Sudanese families affected by war. ‘Hope Groups ‘is a psychosocial, mental health, parenting strengthening, and violence prevention support group program. Link to Previous Research: In 2023-2024, World Without Orphans, Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH), Children’s Mission, Ukraine Without Orphans, Nehemiah Team Ukraine, VIVA, the Global Reference Group for Children Affected by Crisis, Oxford University, and the Global Parenting Initiative conducted a randomised controlled trial testing Hope Groups among Ukrainians affected by war. Hope Groups were found to be highly effective in improving mental health, strengthening parenting practices, and reducing violence against children. In 2024, World Without Orphans, Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH), SANADAK, and Anar for Social Empowerment and Psychosocial Support adapted, implemented, and evaluated Hope Groups among Palestinians in the Middle East. After consistent effectiveness, World Relief is now piloting Hope Groups among Sudanese families in Chad and Sudan, in partnership with SANADAK, World Without Orphans, and the Global Reference Group for Children Affected by Crisis. Primary Objectives: Test the effectiveness of Hope Groups on: 1.) Improving caregiver mental health (primary outcome) 2.) Reducing violence against children (primary outcome) 3.) Improving parenting practices (secondary outcome) 4.) Decreasing child behavioural issues and improving child well-being (secondary outcome) 5.) Improving parent/caregiver well-being (secondary outcome) Implications: Today, over 2 billion people are affected by conflict or violence globally, and caregivers affected by war are particularly at-risk. There is an urgent need for effective interventions to strengthen families in war settings. As “Hope Groups” demonstrated effectiveness in Ukraine and the Middle East, we will now evaluate contextualised and culturally adapted “Hope Groups” among Sudanese families, where there is urgent need. If found to be effective, Hope Groups hold potential to improve outcomes for participants in this current study, as well as thousands of families affected by war, displacement, and crisis in Africa.