Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress Reduction in Social Service Workers: A Pilot RCT (NCT07644949) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress Reduction in Social Service Workers: A Pilot RCT
Turkey (Türkiye)50 participantsStarted 2026-07
Plain-language summary
This is a two-arm, stratified cluster-randomized controlled pilot trial evaluating the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the World Health Organization's Self-Help Plus (SH+) intervention for stress reduction among social service workers employed by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services (ASHP). Four institutions (clusters) are randomized 1:1, stratified by service type, to receive either SH+ plus Enhanced Care as Usual (ECAU) or ECAU only, with a target of 50 participants (25 per arm). The primary aim is to assess feasibility indicators (recruitment, session attendance, retention, and acceptability) to inform a future full-scale definitive trial. Preliminary effects on perceived stress and related mental health and well-being outcomes are examined as secondary outcomes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Currently employed (permanent, contracted, or temporary staff) at an institution under the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services
* Able to read and write in Turkish
* Willing to participate voluntarily
* Provides written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Imminent suicide risk, screened at baseline (T0) via PHQ-9 item 9; participants scoring 2 or higher are not enrolled and are immediately referred to a mental health professional
* Active psychosis, severe substance use disorder, or severe intellectual disability
* An acute medical condition that would preclude participation
* Planned extended leave (e.g., maternity or unpaid leave) during the study period
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.
1This trial is focused on social service workers experiencing job-related stress and burnout — given my specific situation and role, is this the kind of occupational stress the study is designed to address, and would my doctor think it's a reasonable fit to explore?
2Since this is listed as 'Not Yet Recruiting,' how would I find out when it opens, and should I be doing anything in the meantime to manage my stress or burnout rather than waiting?
3The trial seems to be measuring whether the program is feasible and acceptable — meaning it's still in an early stage of testing — so what does my doctor think that means for how confident we can be that the Self-Help Plus approach will actually help me?
4This appears to be a self-help style intervention rather than direct clinical treatment — given the level of distress I'm currently experiencing, does my doctor think this kind of program would be enough on its own, or should I also be considering other mental health support at the same time?
5The study is tracking attendance and dropout rates as key outcomes, which suggests real-world participation could be a challenge — what does my doctor think about how demanding this kind of program typically is, and whether my current work schedule and personal situation could realistically support it?
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
Recruitment rate (feasibility)
Timeframe: Through completion of enrollment and baseline assessment (T0), approximately Month 1
2
Session attendance rate (feasibility)
Timeframe: Across the 5-week intervention period (Weeks 1 to 5)