Improving Mental Health in Forcibly Displaced Populations

Launched by BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · Oct 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on improving mental health support for Venezuelan migrants living in Lima, Peru, who often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since many Venezuelans have fled their country due to serious issues like food shortages and political unrest, they now face challenges accessing mental health services in Peru. The trial will test a new, culturally tailored program delivered online by trained community members, making it easier for participants to receive help from someone who understands their background. The program includes 6 to 12 weekly sessions lasting about an hour each, where participants will learn techniques to manage their thoughts and feelings and engage in positive activities.

To participate in this study, individuals must be Venezuelan, at least 18 years old, and have arrived in Lima between 2014 and now. They also need to show signs of mental health challenges, such as scoring above a certain level on specific questionnaires about depression or anxiety. However, people with severe issues like suicidal thoughts or psychosis won't be eligible. This study aims to make mental health care more accessible and relatable for these migrants, helping them cope with their experiences and improve their overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
• • have Venezuelan nationality
• • have arrived in Lima in years 2014 to the present
• • be 18 years of age or older
• In addition, in order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
• • score 10 points or more at the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) or
• • score 10 points or more at the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) or
• • have a history of trauma exposure as listed in the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5) and score 31 points or more in the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• An individual is excluded from the study if they respond positively to one or more of the following questions during screening:
• • Suicidal ideation: "When someone feels as upset as you do, they may have thoughts that life isn't worth living. What thoughts have you had like this?"
• • Homicidal ideation: "When someone feels as upset as you do, they may have thoughts about hurting the person who has upset or hurt them. What thoughts have you had like this?"
• • Psychosis: "Do you have a diagnosis of psychosis or schizophrenia?"