Social Worker-led Mindfulness-based Intervention for Older People

Last updated: November 17, 2024
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Depression

Treatment

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

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

Clinical Study ID

NCT06528132
EA220105A
  • Ages > 60
  • All Genders

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 60 years or older

  • have depressive symptoms of mild level or above, as indicated by scoring 5-14 onPHQ-9

  • can give informed consent to participate

Exclusion

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

Study Design

Total Participants: 207
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Experimental: social worker-led MBI (without peer supporters)
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 23, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
March 16, 2026

Study Description

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.

Connect with a study center

  • Hong Kong Society for the Aged

    Eastern District,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • HKSKH Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre

    Kowloon City,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • SKH Holy Carpenter Church

    Kowloon City,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

    Kwun Tong,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • Haven of Hope District Elderly Community Service

    Sai Kung,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

  • Wellness Zone - Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness

    Sai Kung,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

  • HKSKH Western District Elderly Community Centre

    Sai Wan,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

  • TWGHs Lok Hong Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness

    Sai Wan,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • Wilson T.S. Wang District Elderly Community Centre

    Sha Tin,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • Wang District Elderly Community Centre

    Sha Tin,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

  • Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association

    Southern District,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

  • The Salvation Army Taipo Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens

    Tai Po,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

    Tuen Mun,
    Hong Kong

    Active - Recruiting

  • SKH Wong Tai Sin District Elderly Community Centre

    Wong Tai Sin,
    Hong Kong

    Site Not Available

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