A Digital Psychosocial Service (Sui App) for Arabic-Speaking Refugees in Switzerland: Development and Cultural-Contextual Adaptation Using a User-Centered and Participatory Approach

Author(s) : Rilana Tanja Stoeckli, Thomas Berger, Monia Aebersold, Viktoria Zoellner, Farhad Haji, Muriel Hunziker, Beatriz Jesus Ferreira, Michel Hosmann, Sebastian Burchert, Jessica Wabiszczewicz, Christine Knaevelsrud, Eva Heim

Source: https://doi.org/10.2196/59905

Abstract :

Background: Upon arriving in host countries, forcibly displaced people face psychological, cultural, as well as sociostructural challenges. Access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) remains limited, affecting both refugees and host country structures. Digital services offer promise in addressing these challenges, given their potential for scalability and accessibility. Despite the increasing use of digital MHPSS, cultural and contextual adaptation remains insufficiently documented, requiring systematic documentation.

Objective: This study aims (1) to assess the psychosocial needs of newly arrived refugees in Switzerland and identify potential digital support solutions and (2) to participatorily develop and culturally adapt the Sui app to address those needs for Arabic-speaking refugees.

Keywords: e–mental health; cultural adaptation; psychosocial support; digital MHPSS; refugees; participatory research; peer support; Arabic