Adapting Mental Health Interventions for War-Affected Youth Through Employment Programs (NCT02561949) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Adapting Mental Health Interventions for War-Affected Youth Through Employment Programs
Sierra Leone80 participantsStarted 2015-09
Plain-language summary
The research will first examine data obtained from YRI participants to investigate effects of the group sessions on psychosocial functioning outcomes in youth aged 15 - 24. The research also intends to examine whether youth participating in YRI and complementary income generating activities will fare better than an employment only control group. Finally, the research intends to examine whether utilizing lay health workers are a is cost-effective and scalable method for addressing mental health concerns.
The research will investigate the following hypotheses:
1. Participants who are exposed to YRI will demonstrate greater reduction in mental health and behavioral problems than participants who are waitlisted for YRI over the same period; emotion regulation will operate as a major mechanism of YRI improvements; high comorbidity will be a treatment modifier;
2. Improvements in mental health and functioning due to YRI will lead to (mediate) greater employment outcomes and superior economic self-sufficiency over time; and
3. Homelessness, orphanhood, young parenthood, and high problems in emotion regulation co-morbid with other mental health conditions will be major moderators lessening the effectiveness of YRI.
4. Lay and trained practitioners at agencies participating in the combined mental health-employment program will demonstrate high fidelity to evidence-based treatment components and that good satisfaction, social support, and professional exchange of evidence-based practices will emerge.
Who can participate
Age range
15 Years – 24 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Participants must be between the ages 15-24 (UN definition of youth);
. Participants must have an elevated score on internalizing (depression/anxiety) or externalizing (aggression/ hostility) on a measure validated for use in Sierra Leone;
. Participants must report some impairment in daily functioning as a result of emotional or behavior problems based on a series of questions adapted from the WHODAS; and
. Participants must neither be enrolled in school nor have gainful employment of 20 or more hours of work per week over the past four weeks.
Exclusion criteria
. Participant fails to meet the age requirements;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in % of youth with improved health outcomes
Timeframe: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months
. Participant is either currently enrolled in school or has gainful employment of 20 hours or more of work per week over the past four weeks;
. Participant is not in favor of joining an employment program;
. Participants does not have an elevated score on internalizing (depression/anxiety) or externalizing (aggression/ hostility) on a measure validated for use in Sierra Leone;
. Participant does not report some impairment in daily functioning as a result of emotional or behavior problems based on a series of questions adapted from the WHODAS;
. Participant identified by clinical staff as: (a) experiencing suicidality, or (b) psychosis.