Racial Justice Activism for Depression

(OVM Trial)

Overseen By Akram Ibrahim, MS

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Age, Attendance, Language, Identity

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

300 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to determine if participating in racial justice activism can reduce depression and improve overall health in Black and Latinx teenagers and young adults. Researchers seek to understand whether involvement in activities like policy discussions and community organizing can lower stress-related health risks and enhance mental well-being. Participants will join either the Racial Justice Activism Intervention program or a life skills program to compare outcomes. This trial is open to Black and Latinx individuals aged 15-20 who speak English and can attend in-person sessions. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important social research and potentially enhance personal well-being.

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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this racial justice activism intervention is safe for Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults?

Research has shown that the "Our Voices Matter" program, which focuses on racial justice activism, can help reduce depression in young people. In earlier studies, participants noticed improvements in their mental health after taking part in this program. These studies did not find any major safety concerns or negative effects. Instead, the program provides a positive and supportive environment, suggesting it is safe and well-received by participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Racial Justice Activism Intervention because it offers a novel approach to addressing depression among Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults. Unlike traditional treatments such as medication or psychotherapy, this intervention empowers participants through education on civic engagement and grassroots organizing. By focusing on skills like policy development and legal advocacy, it aims to build resilience and support networks, potentially transforming how we think about mental health care for these communities. This unique focus on activism and peer support could provide a fresh, culturally relevant path to improving mental health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that the Racial Justice Activism Intervention could be effective for reducing depression in Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults?

Research shows that the "Our Voices Matter" program, which participants in this trial may receive, has helped reduce depression. This program educates and empowers Black and Latinx teens and young adults through activities like policy debates and community organizing. Studies have found that these activities can lessen depression and anxiety by providing a sense of purpose and community support. Participants learn about societal challenges and create plans to address these issues, leading to mental health benefits. Specifically, a study demonstrated that this program can help reduce depression and anxiety in some teens. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Elan C Hope, PhD

Principal Investigator

Policy Research Associates

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults who may be experiencing depression or other mental health issues. It aims to test if a racial justice activism intervention can help reduce depressive symptoms and lower allostatic load, which is the wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress.

Inclusion Criteria

Identify as Black and/ or Latinx

Speak English

I am between 15 and 20 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Do not identify as Black or Latinx

I am either under 15 or over 20 years old.

I cannot attend sessions in person.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in 5 half-day interactive sessions focused on racial justice activism or life skills training

1 week

5 visits (in-person)

Post-Intervention Peer Group Meetings

Participants meet virtually in small peer groups to continue advocacy or life skills discussions

12 months

Monthly virtual meetings

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological and physiological outcomes, including depressive symptoms and allostatic load

24 months

Assessments at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Racial Justice Activism Intervention

Trial Overview The study compares two groups: one participating in a racial justice activism program designed to combat structural racism's effects on mental health, versus a control group receiving general life skills training ('Adulting 101'). The impact will be measured over two years.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: RJA Intervention Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The "Our Voices Matter" RJA intervention is a block-stratified randomized, group behavioral intervention designed for Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The curriculum will specifically focus on the principles of education, organizing, policy development, and legal advocacy. Participants will have didactic sessions, which include policy debates, keynote lectures, seminars, and trainings led by local leaders, community activists, and other experts on civil rights. Participants will learn how to use data to understand how structural barriers influence life. Participants will understand and analyze policy and develop action plans to influence SRD. Additionally, the program will create a network of supportive peers. After the RJA training, small groups will meet monthly via videoconference for 1-year post-intervention. This intervention aims to equip Black and Latinx AYAs with civic and grassroots organizing knowledge and peer support.

Group II: Adulting 101 Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Adulting 101: Life Skills attention control is a 5- day in-person program that will meet for the same number of sessions and duration as the intervention. This attention control is based on the "Project Life" program developed initially for individuals supporting youth transitioning out of foster care to teach life skills for independent living. This curriculum is delivered through didactic and interactive modules that provide knowledge and informational resources, along with hands-on activities and life skills demonstrations. Sessions include: 1) Community Building, 2) Career Preparation, 3) Education, 4) Money Management, 5) Health and Nutrition, 6) Home Management, and 7) Story Sharing.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

275

Recruited

5,182,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Policy Research Associates

Collaborator

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07216326?term=NA

Our Voices Matter: Intervention for Depression in Youth The study's specific aims are to 1) Determine whether a racial justice activism behavioral intervention prevents and reduces depressive symptoms ...

2. aap.org aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases-from-aap-conferences/racial-justice-activism-advocacy-found-to-reduce-depression-and-anxiety-in-some-teens/?srsltid=AfmBOoqX6RILBbj0YwOko5xWYAaALelDEtEpFcj2pbtnpMMFVMf83dgT

Racial Justice Activism, Advocacy Found to Reduce ... The Our Voices Matter RJA intervention produced both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms for ...

3. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/search/ruDl-QudhkWtHqY4cskUKg/project-details/10879839

Project Details - NIH RePORTER This project uses a randomized, behavioral clinical trial to test racial justice activism (RJA) as an effective intervention to mitigate depression and ...

4. trialstoday.org trialstoday.org/trial/NCT07216326

Our Voices Matter: Intervention for Depression in Youth The study's specific aims are to 1) Determine whether a racial justice activism behavioral intervention prevents and reduces depressive symptoms ...

5. scholars.northwestern.edu scholars.northwestern.edu/en/projects/our-voices-matter-racial-justice-activism-intervention-to-address

Our Voices Matter: Racial Justice Activism Intervention to ... Our Voices Matter: Racial Justice Activism Intervention to Address Structural Racism and Prevent Depression in Black and Latinx Youth.

6. aap.org aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases-from-aap-conferences/racial-justice-activism-advocacy-found-to-reduce-depression-and-anxiety-in-some-teens/?srsltid=AfmBOorMgBQ3vCm6KBjK3WvqpBId-O1YaFmFJNfVYWry3ASVoA9E8FIs

Racial Justice Activism, Advocacy Found to Reduce ... The Our Voices Matter RJA intervention produced both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms for ...

7. 2024.pas-meeting.org 2024.pas-meeting.org/ajaxcalls/PosterInfo.asp?PosterID=647419

Our Voices Matter Pilot Study: A Racial Justice Activism ... Conclusion(s): The Our Voices Matter RJA intervention yielded both a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in depressive ...

8. aapexperience24.eventscribe.net aapexperience24.eventscribe.net/ajaxcalls/PosterInfo.asp?PosterID=680899

Our Voices Matter Pilot Study: A Racial Justice Activism ... The RJA Our Voices Matter pilot study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the impact of this intervention on adolescents' depression and anxiety. Methods: The ...