An Intensive short course: Research methods for mental health in war and conflict

September 17, 2018

The Institute of Community and Public Health in collaboration with Kings College London conducted its first intensive short course “Research Methods for Mental Health in War and Conflict” at Birzeit University. The course was jointly taught and certified by the Institute of Community & Public Health (ICPH), Birzeit University and King’s College London (KCL) with the aim to equip course participants with up-to-date qualitative and quantitative research skills. Participants involved a fantastic group of 28 mental health workers, administrators and researchers working for institutions as diverse as the Ministry of Health, the Palestinian Counselling Centre, Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, UNRWA, MDM and various universities among others.

Course content was developed based on aneeds assessment carried out among mental health professionals and administrators from 37 mental health and psychosocial institutions across the West Bank. The Research Methods for Mental Health in War and Conflict course was taught in two segments. The first focused on qualitative research methods (9 – 14 July 2018) and the second focused on quantitative research methods (16 – 21 July 2018). While the course was theory-led, participants were given ample opportunities to apply concepts and techniques via practical and interactive activities, including a small research project and presentation focusing on the concept of uncertainty and its impact on mental health and wellbeing. Participants were enthusiastic about the course and contributed actively connecting their work experience in the field of mental health in conflict with the course content.