App-based Psychosocial Intervention to Enhance Quality of Life in Arabic-speaking Refugees Residing in Switzerland

The ongoing warfare and economic instability in the Middle East and in North Africa causes many people to leave their home countries. Arrived in a host countries, in this example, in Switzerland, they face a lot of structural and psychosocial hurdles. Particularly in the first years, building up a certain quality of life is complicated and challenging. To support this process, the Swiss Red Cross and the University of Bern have developed the Sui app. It contains structural and social information as well as low-intensity psychological tools to provide support to the everyday life of Arabic-speaking people in Switzerland.

Inclusion Criteria:At least 18 years oldArabic as native or second languageGood knowledge of reading, writing and speaking ArabicHave lived in Switzerland for no longer than 5 yearsGive written consentHave access to a smartphone and an internet connectionIndicate an emergency contact whom they could contact in event of a crisisExclusion Criteria:Indicate an increased risk of self-harm or suicide at baselineIndicate having been diagnosed with psychosis or bipolar disorderBe participating in a similar study at baselineHave a lack of written and spoken Arabic skills