Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2026)
jorar 2026, 18(2): 120-126 |
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Khalili Dehkalbali H, Khalili J, Jozi M. A Systematic Review of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Services of the Iranian Red Crescent Society in Response to the 12-Day War of 2025. jorar 2026; 18 (2) :120-126
URL: http://jorar.ir/article-1-1076-en.html
URL: http://jorar.ir/article-1-1076-en.html
Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
Abstract: (12 Views)
INTERODUCTION: The 12-day war of 2025 generated widespread psychosocial disruptions and placed considerable pressure on humanitarian response systems, particularly the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS). Despite the critical role of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions in short-term crises, systematic evaluations of the performance and challenges of these services remain limited. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence, assess reported outcomes of MHPSS interventions, and identify implementation challenges.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in Persian databases (SID, Magiran, Noormags, and Civilica) and international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer) from December 2025 to March 2026. Among 523 identified records, 22 studies were included in the final analysis after screening and quality appraisal.
FINDINGS: The findings from the 22 included studies showed that MHPSS services were predominantly multi-level, multidimensional, and community-based, focusing on immediate support, short-term counseling, coping skills training, play therapy, and responder support. Multidimensional interventions were associated with reduced anxiety and improved resilience in 68% of studies, while 55% highlighted coping skills training for stress management and improved coping. Children, adolescents, and relief workers were frequently identified as vulnerable groups. Major challenges included human and financial resource limitations (77%), weak inter-organizational coordination (59%), limited access to specialized services (50%), and insufficient long-term monitoring and evaluation systems (45%).
CONCLUSION: The reviewed evidence suggests that multidimensional and community-based MHPSS interventions may contribute to reducing acute psychosocial consequences and strengthening resilience in short-term crises. However, resource limitations, coordination gaps, and insufficient long-term monitoring and evaluation may constrain the sustainability of these benefits. Developing a unified national MHPSS framework, strengthening specialized training, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems may improve preparedness and continuity of psychosocial support in future crises.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in Persian databases (SID, Magiran, Noormags, and Civilica) and international databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer) from December 2025 to March 2026. Among 523 identified records, 22 studies were included in the final analysis after screening and quality appraisal.
FINDINGS: The findings from the 22 included studies showed that MHPSS services were predominantly multi-level, multidimensional, and community-based, focusing on immediate support, short-term counseling, coping skills training, play therapy, and responder support. Multidimensional interventions were associated with reduced anxiety and improved resilience in 68% of studies, while 55% highlighted coping skills training for stress management and improved coping. Children, adolescents, and relief workers were frequently identified as vulnerable groups. Major challenges included human and financial resource limitations (77%), weak inter-organizational coordination (59%), limited access to specialized services (50%), and insufficient long-term monitoring and evaluation systems (45%).
CONCLUSION: The reviewed evidence suggests that multidimensional and community-based MHPSS interventions may contribute to reducing acute psychosocial consequences and strengthening resilience in short-term crises. However, resource limitations, coordination gaps, and insufficient long-term monitoring and evaluation may constrain the sustainability of these benefits. Developing a unified national MHPSS framework, strengthening specialized training, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation systems may improve preparedness and continuity of psychosocial support in future crises.
Keywords: Mental health, Psychosocial support, Red Crescent Society, Short-term crisis, 12-day War, Relief workers.
Article Type: Review |
Subject:
Other matters related to crisis, disasters and rescue & relief
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