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Evaluating the Effects of StrongMinds Community-Based Group Interpersonal Therapy on Depression and Secondary Outcomes in Uganda
Sponsor: IDinsight
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the StrongMinds Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT-G) program on depressive symptoms (primary outcome) and measures related to quality of life, social, economic, educational outcomes, and within-household spillover effects (secondary outcomes). This study is a two-arm, parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which villages serve as the unit of randomization. 100 villages across two districts in Uganda, Luuka and Buikwe, have been randomly assigned in equal proportion to one of two conditions: (1) a treatment arm, in which eligible participants receive StrongMinds' 6-week community-based IPT-G program, or (2) a control arm, in which eligible participants receive enhanced-treatment-as-usual (ETAU), involving psychoeducation and referral to a nurse. Primary hypothesis: Participants in villages randomized to receive IPT-G will exhibit a significantly greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scores at 6 months post-treatment compared to participants in ETAU villages.
Official title: Evaluating the Effects of StrongMinds Community-Based Group Interpersonal Therapy on Depression and Secondary Outcomes in Uganda: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
15 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
1213
Start Date
2026-07-01
Completion Date
2027-04-09
Last Updated
2026-09-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT-G)
IPT-G is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on resolving interpersonal difficulties such as grief, role disputes, role transitions, and social isolation. These difficulties are causally linked to the onset and maintenance of depressive episodes. StrongMinds implements an adapted version of IPT-G tailored to the Ugandan context. It involves a six-week program where trained lay workers facilitate weekly group therapy sessions under supervision of trained staff. The intervention's community-based nature allows it to address cultural and logistical barriers to mental health care, fostering greater accessibility and sustainability. In this RCT, we are assessing delivery of IPT-G to four target groups: adult women, adult men, adolescent males, and adolescent females.
Enhanced treatment as usual
Eligible participants in the control group receive enhanced-treatment-as-usual (ETAU), involving psychoeducation and referral to a nurse.
Locations (1)
StrongMinds Uganda
Kampala, Uganda