Peer Support Intervention for COVID-19 Related Mental Health Issues

(RIWP+ Trial)

Overseen By Julia Hess, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of New Mexico

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive problems, severe mental illness

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 24 weeks

1212 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study tests the effectiveness of a community-based peer advocacy, mutual learning, and social support intervention (Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project) to reduce several negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic that are disproportionately impacting Latinx and Black populations: psychological distress, financial problems, and daily stressors. In partnership with five community-based organizations that focus on mental health, legal, education, and youth issues with Latinx immigrants and African refugees, we will also be able to examine the effects of people's involvement with community-based organizations and local and state policy changes on their mental health, economic stability, stressors, and social support. This is important not only for Latinx and Black populations and the large number of immigrants and refugees in the United States and worldwide, but also because the intervention model and what we learn from this study have the potential to alleviate mental health disparities experienced by other marginalized populations who face unequal access to social and material resources, disproportionate exposure to trauma and stress, and worse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on mental health support rather than medication changes.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) for COVID-19 related mental health issues?

Research shows that peer support and community-based interventions, like healing circles, can help build resilience and provide validation for immigrants facing stress, which suggests that similar approaches in the RIWP could be effective in addressing mental health issues related to COVID-19. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Peer Support Intervention for COVID-19 Related Mental Health Issues safe for humans?

The studies suggest that peer-led mental health interventions, like the Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP), are generally safe for humans. Participants in similar programs reported positive experiences, such as improved mood and reduced stress, without any mention of harmful effects. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How is the Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) treatment different from other treatments for COVID-19 related mental health issues?

The Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) is unique because it uses peer support and community-based approaches to address mental health issues, focusing on building resilience and providing culturally responsive support for refugees and immigrants. Unlike traditional treatments, it involves training community members to lead support groups and create safe spaces for sharing experiences, which empowers individuals to contribute to their own and their community's well-being. ^{1 4 8 9 10}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Latinx immigrants and African refugees aged 18 or older living in New Mexico. It's not open to those who've used certain community services within the last year or have severe mental illness that prevents group participation.

Exclusion Criteria

For the random sample of 1000 Latinx immigrants, exclusion criteria will be having used the services of one of the four community-based partner organizations serving Latinx immigrants within the past year (at time of study enrollment).

I do not have severe mental health issues that prevent me from joining group activities.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 6-month mental health intervention (RIWP) involving peer advocacy, mutual learning, and social support

24 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological distress, economic precarity, and other outcomes over multiple timepoints

28 months

Extension

Participants in the waitlist control group may participate in the RIWP intervention in Year 3

12 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP)

Trial Overview The study tests a peer advocacy and social support program called Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project, aiming to improve mental health, financial stability, and reduce stress among Latinx and Black communities affected by COVID-19.

Participant Groups

Group I: Refugee & Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

6-month mental health intervention that pairs university students with newcomers to engage in mutual learning, resource mobilization, and social change efforts

Group II: Treatment-as-usual Waitlist Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

participants recruited from community-based organizations receive usual services from community-based organizations and may participate in RIWP intervention in Year 3

Group III: Random Sample of Latinx Immigrants Active Control 1 Intervention

random sample comparison group of Latinx immigrants who are NOT randomly assigned to a treatment condition

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of New Mexico

Lead Sponsor

Trials

393

Recruited

3,526,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Exploratory Study of Healing Circles as a Strategy to Facilitate Resilience in an Undocumented Community. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peer specialists. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of a scalable, remotely delivered stepped-care intervention to reduce symptoms of psychological distress among Polish migrant workers in the Netherlands: study protocol for the RESPOND randomised controlled trial. [2023]

4. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Evaluation of a peer-helper project for mental health stabilization of refugees]. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family Medicine With Refugee Newcomers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mental health promotion among resettled Bhutanese adults in Massachusetts: Results of a peer-led family-centred Social and Emotional Well-being (SEW) intervention study. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Addressing Behavioral Health Disparities for Somali Immigrants Through Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Led by Community Health Workers. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

You're not alone: A public health response to immigrant/refugee distress in the current sociopolitical context. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Views and experiences of migrants and stakeholders involved in social and health care for migrants in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and acceptability of CRiSOL: A pilot peer-based intervention to address syndemic health issues afflicting Latino immigrants in the U.S. [2023]