Psychosocial Interventions for Mental Health Outcomes Following Flood Exposure in South Asia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Flooding is associated with psychological and psychosocial consequences, yet intervention evidence from South Asia remains limited. This systematic review synthesized studies evaluating psychological or psychosocial interventions for mental-health outcomes among flood-affected populations in South Asia. PubMed and OpenAlex were searched for English-language studies published between January 2010 and August 2026. Eligible studies evaluated an intervention and reported mental-health outcomes in populations affected by floods in South Asia. Study characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and findings were extracted; methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Two randomized studies met the eligibility criteria: a cluster trial of Group Problem Management Plus in Nepal and a yoga intervention among flood survivors in India. Group PM+ reduced psychological distress and depressive symptoms, while yoga was associated with reduced self-rated sadness. Findings were heterogeneous. Evidence is scarce and preliminary, highlighting the need for rigorous, culturally adapted intervention research.