Rebuilding Emotional Stability and Strength Through Therapeutic and Life-Skills Education for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (RESETTLE-IDPs): a Hybrid Type II Effectiveness-implementation Study

The RESETTLE-IDPs study aims to address the urgent mental health needs of internally displaced youth and women in Nigeria, who face high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress due to exposure to conflict, violence, and loss. Despite the immense needs, there is a severe lack of culturally appropriate, evidence-based interventions to support the resilience and well-being of these vulnerable populations.

To fill this gap, the study will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a novel life skills education (LSE) program delivered through two innovative approaches: in-person peer support groups and WhatsApp-based virtual support groups. The LSE curriculum, developed through extensive community engagement, covers topics such as stress management, communication, problem-solving, health, safety, and advocacy, all tailored to the unique challenges of displacement.

In the in-person arm, trained IDP peers and local providers will facilitate weekly group sessions over 12 weeks, providing a safe space for participants to learn, practice, and apply new skills while building social connections and support networks. In the WhatsApp arm, participants will receive weekly messages with educational content, reflection prompts, and exercises, moderated by trained facilitators to foster dialogue and peer support.

By comparing these two delivery methods, the study aims to identify the most feasible, acceptable, and effective strategies for rolling out psychosocial support interventions in humanitarian settings, particularly those with limited resources and access. The study will also assess the interventions' impact on key mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and well-being, as well as life skills, functioning, and implementation metrics such as reach, adoption, and sustainability.

Ultimately, the RESETTLE-IDPs study seeks to generate actionable evidence to inform the development and scale-up of culturally responsive, community-driven interventions that can promote the mental health and resilience of conflict-affected populations in Nigeria and beyond. By empowering IDP youth and women with the knowledge, skills, and support to navigate the challenges of displacement, the study aims to contribute to a brighter, more hopeful future for these resilient communities