Psychoeducation as a mental health strategy in wartime: A meta-analysis of its effectiveness.

Abstract

Aim: To synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify studies evaluating psychoeducational interventions for individuals with post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders. Eight studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental designs, with a total of 993 participants, met the inclusion criteria for the review. Methodological quality was assessed using predefined criteria, and studies with a high risk of bias were excluded from the primary meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included six RCTs comprising 872 participants. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: The aggregated findings demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in psychological symptoms, with a pooled effect size of SMD = 0.34 (95% CI [0.13, 0.54]), reflecting a moderate therapeutic effect. Interventions delivered in group settings and those integrated with pharmacological treatment yielded comparatively stronger outcomes. Digital delivery formats showed practical value in settings with restricted access to in-person mental health services, including conflict-affected and displaced communities. Conclusions: Psychoeducation constitutes a scalable, adaptable, and empirically supported element of contemporary mental health systems, especially relevant under wartime conditions in Ukraine.