Role of Peer Support Groups in Managing Stress and Trauma in Humanitarian Settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in Venezuela
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the role of peer support in managing stress and trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic in humanitarian settings through a systematic review of existing literature and review of grey documents from field sources. This review seeks to draw information emphasizing the role of peer support initiatives in humanitarian settings, including the availability (or lack thereof) of literature based on the field work and clinical experience. Data on the role of peer support in humanitarian settings during the pandemic and findings were extracted, and the papers were assessed using MMAT to ensure validity and manage the risk of bias. Findings suggest that peer or social support serves as a key protective factor and buffer against psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations implementing programs in humanitarian settings could focus on programs that enhance coping strategies and provide or strengthen psychosocial support programs, particularly for vulnerable groups and communities. While most attention tends to be drawn toward the medical aspect in mitigating the pandemic impact, the study provides insights on improving mental health aspects by highlighting the imperative role of peer support in managing stress and trauma.
Keywords: COVID-19, humanitarian settings, peer support, social support, stress, trauma, Venezuela.
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