Social Worker-led Mindfulness-based Intervention for Older People

NCT ID: NCT06528132

Last Updated: 2024-11-20

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

207 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-07-23

Study Completion Date

2026-03-16

Brief Summary

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Preliminary findings from a previous study conducted by the investigators suggest that a task-shared approach with modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) supported by social workers is beneficial in managing depressive symptoms and improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults. However, the possibility for social workers to lead a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) independently to improve its scalability and service accessibility remains unclear. The project aims to:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of social worker-led MBI in improving depression in older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms as compared to care as usual;
2. Examine the effectiveness of incorporating peer supporters in social worker-led MBI compared to those without peer supporters;
3. To identify potential mechanisms of change in MBI for depressive symptoms.

Detailed Description

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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising approach to managing a series of health and psychological conditions among older adults. To increase its acceptability, feasibility, and scalability, MBCT has been adapted and delivered in a variety of formats. Apart from delivering the intervention in person by a certified mindfulness teacher, MBCT has been adapted to be self-taught, delivered online, or partially led by social workers.

In a previous study conducted by the investigators, it was found that a task-shared approach with modified MBCT supported by social workers is effective in producing change in older adults' mental health and mindfulness. However, whether social workers are competent to lead a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) informed by MBCT on their own and produce effective changes in outcome measures pertaining to mental health remains unclear.

Furthermore, the effects of incorporating peer supporters into mental health interventions are unclear. The uses and implementation of peer support across mental health contexts vary greatly and the effects are mixed. In a pilot study on men with advanced prostate cancer, it has been suggested that the presence of peer support in modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group intervention may reinforce intervention effects. Furthermore, in an online intervention for older adults with elevated depressive symptoms, peer support has been found to improve engagement and adherence to the intervention. However, in a systematic review and meta-analysis, it has been found that while incorporating one-to-one peer support in mental health services has a modest positive impact on self-reported psychosocial outcomes such as self-rated recovery and empowerment, there is no evidence for improvement in clinical outcomes.

With the growing older people population and a need for greater social welfare capacity to promote older adults' well-being, the current study aims to examine the effectiveness of social worker-led MBI informed by MBCT in improving depression in older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms. In addition, the effectiveness of incorporating peer supporters into the intervention will be examined.

Conditions

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Depressive Symptoms

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Participants in the intervention group will receive mindfulness-based intervention from social workers either with or without peer supporters involved. The care as usual group will receive usual service provided in District Elderly Community Centres (DECC) and Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW).
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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social worker-led MBI (enhanced with peer supporters)

Participants in the social worker-led modified MBI group will receive mindfulness training from social workers. In addition, they will receive support from peer supporters.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) (enhanced with peer supporters)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders. On-site support and regular follow-up by peer supporters.

social worker-led MBI (without peer supporters)

Participants in the social-worker led modified MBI group will receive mindfulness training from social workers.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Experimental: social worker-led MBI (without peer supporters)

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders.

Care as usual group

The care as usual group will receive usual service provided in District Elderly Community Centres (DECC) and Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW).

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) (enhanced with peer supporters)

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders. On-site support and regular follow-up by peer supporters.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Experimental: social worker-led MBI (without peer supporters)

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 60 years or older
* have depressive symptoms of mild level or above, as indicated by scoring 5-14 on PHQ-9
* can give informed consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria

* known history of autism, intellectual disability, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
* current abuse of drugs or alcohol
* difficulty in communication
* imminent suicidal risk
* timing or training is unsuitable for the participant
Minimum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Christian Family Service Centre

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

The Salvation Army, Hong Kong and Macau Command

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Haven of Hope Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Tung Wah Group of Hospitals

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Hong Kong Society for the Aged

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

The University of Hong Kong

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Professor Terry Y.S. Lum

Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Terry YS Lum, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong

Locations

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Hong Kong Society for the Aged

Eastern District, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

HKSKH Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre

Kowloon City, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

SKH Holy Carpenter Church

Kowloon City, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

Kwun Tong, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Haven of Hope District Elderly Community Service

Sai Kung, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Wellness Zone - Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness

Sai Kung, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

HKSKH Western District Elderly Community Centre

Sai Wan, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

TWGHs Lok Hong Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness

Sai Wan, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Wilson T.S. Wang District Elderly Community Centre

Shatin, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association

Southern District, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

The Salvation Army Taipo Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens

Tai Po, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

Tuenmen, , Hong Kong

Site Status RECRUITING

SKH Wong Tai Sin District Elderly Community Centre

Wong Tai Sin, , Hong Kong

Site Status NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Countries

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Hong Kong

Central Contacts

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Dara KY Leung, PhD

Role: CONTACT

3917-0081

Zuna LY Ng

Role: CONTACT

Facility Contacts

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Wing Sze Chow

Role: primary

+852-2563-0187

Tsz Ying Lam

Role: primary

+852-3501-6734

Fung Yee Hui

Role: primary

+852-3960-4351

May Lan Kou

Role: primary

+852-2346-3798

Pui Ling Cheng

Role: primary

+852-2702-1113

Chak Ling Lee

Role: primary

+852-2706-7198

Ho Yan Po

Role: primary

+852-2818-3717

Ka Yee Cheung

Role: primary

+852-3460-6060

Choi Ha Kok

Role: primary

+852-2647-2711

Hoi Man Tam

Role: primary

+852-2553-6333

Wai man Lau

Role: primary

+852-2653-6811

Siu Ping Yu

Role: primary

+852-2466-6591

Pui Yan Tsang

Role: primary

+852-2352-3082

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Provided Documents

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Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Other Identifiers

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EA220105A

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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