Creating a mental health support program for Ethiopian and Eritrean youth.
Official title: Developing and Pilot Testing a Mental Health Support Intervention for Ethiopian and Eritrean Youth
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11055663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mental health support program called Weyera, which is made for Ethiopian and Eritrean youth to help them build resilience and improve their mental well-being with the help of trained community health workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MD019304-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Ethiopian and Eritrean youth aged 0-21 who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities or those not within the specified age range may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and pilot test a mental health support intervention called Weyera, specifically designed for Ethiopian and Eritrean youth. The program will be facilitated by trained community health workers and focuses on enhancing resilience and improving mental health outcomes in this population. By addressing the unique challenges faced by these young individuals, the intervention seeks to provide culturally relevant support and resources. The research will involve community engagement and feedback to ensure the program meets the needs of the participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health and resilience among Ethiopian and Eritrean youth.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting Ethiopian and Eritrean youth, similar culturally tailored interventions for immigrant populations have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hussen, Sophia a. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Hussen, Sophia a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.