The Effects of Community Based Psycho-Social Intervention in Reducing Postpartum Depression and Improving Infant's Development in the Refugee Community from Rakhine State of Myanmar in Bangladesh

BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BIED) will treat postnatal mental health issues in adolescent mothers with infant (age 0-12 months) children belonging to the community of refugees from Myanmar who have come to the Southeast region of Bangladesh fleeing systematic persecution through community based group counselling session on reproductive health, postpartum depression and anxiety, parental stress, psychological tools to address the issues, infant care and play-based stimulation. By studying the effectiveness of treatment, through a randomized experimental design- pre-post study, the results will provide significant insight into and shape future interventions in the field of maternal mental health and early childhood development. Even though the women face numerous hardships and stress caused by displacement and violence, the community based group counselling can bring about positive outcomes.