Va Meh Du for Mental Health

Overseen By Ana D Sucaldito

Age: Any Age

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Disqualifiers: Criminal record, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a soccer program with mental health education can improve coping skills and social connection among Karenni refugee boys and men. The researchers will compare two groups: one receiving mental health education and the other participating in team-building activities. Participants will attend weekly soccer practices and engage in these activities over six months. The trial seeks Karenni boys and men living in the Piedmont Triad area of NC who are interested in soccer and can attend practices regularly. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance community support and personal well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on participation in a soccer program and mental health education, so it's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.

What prior data suggests that this soccer program is safe for Karenni refugee young boys and men?

The Va Meh Du treatment combines mental health education with a soccer program. Although specific data on Va Meh Du's safety in humans is unavailable, similar programs that mix mental health education and physical activity are generally safe. These programs are usually well-tolerated, involving non-invasive activities like learning and exercise.

Trials focusing on such activities typically avoid serious safety concerns, as they employ safe methods like education and exercise. Participants can expect a safe environment designed to improve mental health and foster social connections through team activities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Va Meh Du trial because it explores innovative approaches to improving mental health. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication or therapy, this trial includes a unique combination of mental health education and team-building activities. The mental health education arm provides participants with essential skills and knowledge that empower them to manage their well-being actively. Meanwhile, the team-building activities in the comparison group aim to enhance social connections, which can play a crucial role in mental health. This approach is different because it emphasizes personal empowerment and social engagement, offering potentially new pathways to mental wellness.

What evidence suggests that this soccer program is effective for improving mental health in Karenni refugee young boys and men?

Research shows that playing team sports benefits mental health. Studies have found that sports programs often help by fostering friendships and creating a sense of belonging. Regular participation in sports like soccer is linked to increased happiness and better stress management. In this trial, participants in the comparison arm will engage in team-building activities, which may offer similar benefits. Meanwhile, the experimental arm will focus on mental health education, which can help individuals understand and manage mental health issues. Although specific information on Va Meh Du's effectiveness is limited, existing research on sports and mental health generally supports these benefits. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Karenni refugee boys aged 8-16 living in the Piedmont Triad area of NC, who speak English and have parental consent. It's designed to see if soccer combined with mental health education can help them cope better mentally and feel more connected socially.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a boy aged 8-16, identify as Karenni, speak English, live in Piedmont Triad, NC, and have my parents' consent.

I am an 18+ year old Karenni man living in Piedmont Triad, NC, speak English and Karenni, and can attend all but 2 practices.

Exclusion Criteria

Criminal record indicating potential harm to children (i.e., convicted of a violent or sexual crime, registration in the Sex Offender Registry, Responsible Individual List, or Child Maltreatment Registry) or are expected to miss more than 2 practices

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in weekly soccer practices and receive mental health education or comparison activities

6 months

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in coping skills, psychological well-being, social connectedness, and physical activity

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Va Meh Du

Trial Overview The study tests whether a soccer program that includes mental health education improves coping skills and social connections compared to regular activities. Participants will engage in weekly soccer practices for six months while also receiving either mental health education or other comparison activities.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mental Health Education Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Comparison Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to comparison will receive 20-30 minutes of team-building activities each week for roughly 5 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Lead Sponsor

Trials

33

Recruited

16,700+

Citations

1. research.va.gov research.va.gov/topics/mental_health.cfm

Mental Health VA offers a wide range of mental health services to Veterans. The goal of VA mental health care is to support recovery and enable Veterans who experience ...

2. hsrd.research.va.gov hsrd.research.va.gov/research_topics/mental_health.cfm

Mental Health - VA Health Systems Research This study examined VA clinical, administrative, and survey data to evaluate outcomes (including symptoms, mood episodes, positive suicide screens, and mental ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11287469/

The Road to Reintegration: Evaluating the Effectiveness ... In the current study, we investigated whether how the VA healthcare system for mental health and/or SUD treatment predicted program enrollment into vocational ...

4. bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08899-y

Comparing mental and physical health of U.S. veterans by VA ... We therefore examined the representativeness of VA veterans by comparing veterans using VA healthcare services to those who do not.

5. mentalhealth.va.gov mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/FSTP-Mental-Health-Conditions-Among-VHA-Patients.pdf

Mental Health Conditions Among VHA Patients Mental health conditions are prevalent among. Veterans who receive care through the Veterans. Health Administration (VHA). In 2023, 31.0%.

6. mentalhealth.va.gov mentalhealth.va.gov/about/data-reporting/index.asp

Data & Reporting | Veteran Mental Health Statistics VA conducts an in-depth analysis of Veteran suicide rates each year. Findings are made available to the public in an annual report.

7. mentalhealth.va.gov mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/data.asp

Veteran Suicide Data and Reporting The VA conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each year. Findings are made available to the public in an Annual Report.

8. mentalhealth.va.gov mentalhealth.va.gov/

VA Mental Health VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more⁠—all accessible to Veterans, Veterans' supporters, and the general public.