Mental Health Education for Latinx Community

Overseen By Principal Investigator

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Same household

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 6 weeks

192 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Overcoming Life's Hurdles for the Latinx community?

The research on the Amigas Latinas Motivando el ALMA (ALMA) program shows that using community leaders to share mental health strategies can effectively reduce stress among Latina immigrants. This suggests that community-based, culturally tailored approaches like Overcoming Life's Hurdles may also be effective in improving mental health in the Latinx community. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Mental Health Education for Latinx Community program safe for participants?

The studies reviewed focus on psychoeducational programs like La CLAve and a fotonovela, which are designed to improve mental health literacy among Spanish-speaking communities. These programs have been shown to increase knowledge and reduce stigma without any reported safety concerns, suggesting they are generally safe for participants. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

How is the treatment 'Overcoming Life's Hurdles' unique for mental health in the Latinx community?

The treatment 'Overcoming Life's Hurdles' is unique because it likely incorporates culturally tailored education and outreach models, similar to the ALMA intervention, which uses community-based approaches to address mental health challenges specifically within the Latinx community. This approach emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and community involvement, which may not be present in standard treatments. ^{3 7 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to increase and strengthen connections between Latinx individuals and mental health services. Through this intervention, the investigators aim to improve mental health literacy, decrease stigma, increase coping skills, and increase mental health help seeking, even before they are in crisis. Participants will be asked to participate in six educational sessions hosted by Promotores de Salud.

Research Team

Jennifer A Newberry, MD, JD, MSc

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Latinx individuals who identify as Hispanic, Latino/a, or Latinx/e, speak English or Spanish, and live in the zip codes 95116, 95122, or 95127. It's not open to multiple people from the same household.

Inclusion Criteria

Has heritage or self-identifies as Hispanic, Latino/a, or Latinx/e

Primary residence is in 95116, 95122, or 95127 zip codes

Exclusion Criteria

Persons from the same household

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend a 6-week educational series covering mental health topics

6 weeks

6 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for mental health service use and self-efficacy

6 months

3 follow-up assessments (1 week, 3 months, 6 months)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Overcoming Life's Hurdles

Trial Overview The trial tests 'Overcoming Life's Hurdles,' a program with six educational sessions aimed at improving mental health literacy and connections to services among Latinx communities through Promotores de Salud.

Participant Groups

Group I: Mental health use, education, and skill-building Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomly assigned to this arm will attend a 6 week educational series that will cover topics around mental health. Data will be collected form participants at baseline (before the start of the first session), 1 week after the last session, and at 3- and 6- months after the sessions (follow ups).

Group II: Resources in the community Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomly assigned to this arm will attend a 6 week educational series that will cover topics on resources in the community. Data will be collected form participants at baseline (before the start of the first session), 1 week after the last session, and at 3- and 6- months after the sessions (follow ups).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Findings from Research

A 35-minute psychoeducational program called La CLAve effectively increased knowledge about psychosis and beliefs in identifying it among Spanish-speaking community residents (n = 57) and family caregivers (n = 38) of individuals with schizophrenia.

The program not only improved understanding of psychosis symptoms but also encouraged help-seeking behaviors, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for enhancing mental health literacy in Spanish-speaking populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

La CLAve to increase psychosis literacy of Spanish-speaking community residents and family caregivers. López, SR., Lara, Mdel C., Kopelowicz, A., et al.[2021]

A study involving 257 low-income Latino patients showed that both telephone and face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy interventions significantly reduced depression severity compared to usual care, with moderate effect sizes of 0.56 and 0.64, respectively.

The telephone-based intervention had a higher treatment initiation rate (89.7%) compared to face-to-face sessions (78.8%), indicating that telephone care may enhance access to mental health services for Latino patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of the Engagement and Counseling for Latinos (ECLA) intervention in low-income Latinos. Alegría, M., Ludman, E., Kafali, EN., et al.[2021]

Latino immigrants often face barriers in accessing mental health care, particularly in areas with rapid migration and limited bilingual services, highlighting the need for immediate solutions.

The development of a lay health advisor training program for Latina immigrants empowers community leaders (promotoras) to share stress-reduction strategies and mental health resources, effectively addressing the mental health needs within their communities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Amigas Latinas Motivando el ALMA (ALMA): Development and Pilot Implementation of a Stress Reduction Promotora Intervention. Green, MA., Perez, G., Ornelas, IJ., et al.[2021]

Latinos with serious mental illness have significant healthcare needs, with counseling and therapy services being the most important, as identified by a study involving 122 participants who rated various health needs on a 7-point scale.

There are notable differences in healthcare priorities between U.S.-born Latinos and those born abroad, with over 25% of importance ratings differing significantly, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in integrated care for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prioritizing the healthcare needs of Latinos with mental illness. Corrigan, PW., Torres, A., Lara, JL., et al.[2023]

The DVD version of La CLAve effectively increases psychosis literacy among Spanish-speaking Latinos, as demonstrated in two studies involving 57 medical students and 68 community residents in Mexico, and 93 participants in San Diego, California.

The program shows promise for widespread use in underserved communities, potentially reducing disparities in mental health service access by improving understanding of psychosis among ethnic and linguistic minorities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Toward the early recognition of psychosis among Spanish-speaking adults on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Casas, RN., Gonzales, E., Aldana-Aragón, E., et al.[2021]

Latinx parents often struggle to identify mental health issues in their children and report significant stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help, which can hinder access to care.

Despite the stigma, many Latinx parents are open to or already pursuing mental health services for their children, indicating that stigma may not completely prevent service utilization in some cases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Urban Latinx parents' attitudes towards mental health: Mental health literacy and service use. Dixon De Silva, LE., Ponting, C., Ramos, G., et al.[2023]

The study highlights the critical role of family ties in the treatment of schizophrenia among Latinos, emphasizing that strong family support can enhance mental health outcomes.

Stigma surrounding mental illness was identified as a significant barrier to treatment, indicating the need for culturally sensitive approaches to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Towards a cultural adaptation of family psychoeducation: findings from three latino focus groups. Hackethal, V., Spiegel, S., Lewis-Fernández, R., et al.[2021]

A study involving 142 immigrant Latinas at risk for depression demonstrated that a Spanish language fotonovela effectively improved depression knowledge, self-efficacy in recognizing the need for treatment, and reduced stigma associated with seeking help.

The results support the use of Entertainment-Education tools like fotonovelas, delivered through community health workers (promotoras), as a valuable strategy to enhance mental health literacy and encourage treatment-seeking behavior among Latinas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Entertainment-education? A fotonovela? A new strategy to improve depression literacy and help-seeking behaviors in at-risk immigrant Latinas. Hernandez, MY., Organista, KC.[2022]

The collaboration between academic and community organizations focuses on understanding the attitudes and knowledge regarding mental health care resources within the Latino community.

This initiative aims to create effective interventions and educational outreach models, fostering ongoing partnerships to improve mental health care access and awareness in this community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reflections on effective nursing partnerships addressing mental health in the Latino community. Garcia, C.[2021]

The ALMA intervention significantly reduced depressive symptoms among Latina immigrants, with participants showing lower levels of depression post-intervention and at a two-month follow-up compared to a comparison group.

The online delivery of the ALMA intervention was particularly effective, leading to greater reductions in both depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to the comparison group, highlighting the adaptability and effectiveness of community-based mental health programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting mental health in Latina immigrant women: Results from the Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma intervention trial. Ornelas, IJ., Rao, D., Price, C., et al.[2023]

The Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma intervention effectively improved mental health outcomes for recent immigrant Latinas, as evidenced by decreased depressive symptoms and stress levels, along with increased coping responses and perceived social support.

Promotoras involved in the program showed enhanced knowledge about their roles and stress management, indicating that community-based interventions can empower individuals and positively impact mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA): a pilot promotora intervention focused on stress and coping among immigrant Latinas. Tran, AN., Ornelas, IJ., Perez, G., et al.[2021]

References

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

La CLAve to increase psychosis literacy of Spanish-speaking community residents and family caregivers. [2021]

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

Effectiveness of the Engagement and Counseling for Latinos (ECLA) intervention in low-income Latinos. [2021]

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

Amigas Latinas Motivando el ALMA (ALMA): Development and Pilot Implementation of a Stress Reduction Promotora Intervention. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prioritizing the healthcare needs of Latinos with mental illness. [2023]

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

Toward the early recognition of psychosis among Spanish-speaking adults on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. [2021]

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

Urban Latinx parents' attitudes towards mental health: Mental health literacy and service use. [2023]

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

Towards a cultural adaptation of family psychoeducation: findings from three latino focus groups. [2021]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Entertainment-education? A fotonovela? A new strategy to improve depression literacy and help-seeking behaviors in at-risk immigrant Latinas. [2022]

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

Reflections on effective nursing partnerships addressing mental health in the Latino community. [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting mental health in Latina immigrant women: Results from the Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma intervention trial. [2023]

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

Evaluation of Amigas Latinas Motivando el Alma (ALMA): a pilot promotora intervention focused on stress and coping among immigrant Latinas. [2021]