Hybrid Type 1 Randomized Pilot Trial of a Peer-led Family and Social Strengthening Group Intervention for Refugee Families

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · Feb 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a program called Coffee and Family Education and Support, or CAFES2, which aims to help refugee families dealing with issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. The program is led by peers—people who have similar experiences—who will work with families to strengthen their connections and improve their overall well-being. The trial is currently recruiting families who have recently arrived in Chicago from specific Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, or Yemen. To participate, families need to include at least one adult caregiver and one child aged 12 or older, and at least one family member should be experiencing signs of mental health challenges.

Participants in the trial can expect to take part in group sessions that focus on family support and relationship building. These sessions are designed to create a safe space for sharing experiences and learning new ways to cope with stress and improve family dynamics. It’s important to note that families who have been in the U.S. for more than three years or are facing severe mental health issues or crises will not be eligible to join. The insights gained from this trial will help improve mental health services for refugee families and shape future support programs.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• To participate in the study, the families must meet the following criteria:
• • 1. Country of origin: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine or Yemen
• • 2. refugee family living in Chicago \< three years
• • 3. Contains at least one adult caregiver (18-55) and at least one of their children (age 12 and older) living in one household
• • 4. One family member with \> 3 on the GHQ-12
• • 5. able to give written informed consent.
• Exclusion criteria for refugee families:
• • 1. Not from one of the following Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East: Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen
• • 2. men and women who do not have least one child aged 12 years and older living in one household
• • 3. arrived in the U.S as a refugee greater than 3 years ago
• • 4. persons with developmental disabilities which would preclude their participation in the adapted CAFES intervention
• • 5. persons with severe mental health (e.g., suicidality psychotic disorder), active substance use or current in family crisis (e.g., domestic violence, divorce proceedings).