Peer Counselling to Reduce Psychological Distress and Exposure to Violence Among Sexual and Gender Minorities

Launched by PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH CENTRE (PERC), NEPAL · May 12, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how peer counselling can help improve mental health and reduce violence among people from the LGBTIQA+ community in Nepal. Many individuals in this community face mental health challenges due to discrimination, violence, and feelings of loneliness. The trial will test a special counselling program called "Problem Management Plus," which includes support from trained community members. Participants will receive either individual counselling, group sessions, or no counselling, and the study will follow them for a year to see how well the support works.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be between 18 and 55 years old, identify as LGBTIQA+, and have experienced any form of violence in the past year. They should also be showing signs of psychological distress. The trial aims to recruit at least 960 individuals from seven districts in Nepal, and it will involve community members in every step to ensure that their voices are heard. This research could lead to better mental health programs for LGBTIQA+ people not just in Nepal but also in other countries facing similar challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Self-identify as a member of the LGBTIQA+ community
• • Aged 18 to 55 years
• • Have a history of exposure to any form of violence (physical, sexual, or psychological) within the past 12 months
• • Exhibit psychological distress, defined as a score of more than or equal to 3 on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Express current suicidal ideation or plans to end their life
• • Meet diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, including alcohol or drug dependence
• • Have severe functional impairment due to a mental, neurological, or developmental disorder (e.g., severe intellectual disability, dementia, or psychosis)
• • Decline or are unable to provide informed consent
• • Intend to relocate from the study districts or move outside the country within the next few months