Investigating effective mental health treatments in Kenya
Effectiveness Research for Common Mental Disorders in Low and Middle Income Countries: A sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial for non-specialist treatment strategies in Kenya
This study is looking at how regular healthcare workers in Kenya can help people with depression and anxiety get the right treatments they need, making mental health care easier to access for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10681458 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving access to mental health care for common disorders like depression and anxiety in low and middle-income countries, particularly Kenya. It aims to determine how non-specialist healthcare providers can effectively deliver evidence-based treatments in real-world settings. The study will explore various treatment strategies, including personalized approaches, to address the high prevalence of mental health issues in primary care populations. By utilizing existing healthcare platforms, the research seeks to enhance treatment accessibility and effectiveness for those in need.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults in Kenya suffering from major depressive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder who have limited access to mental health services.
Not a fit: Patients outside of Kenya or those not experiencing common mental disorders like depression or anxiety may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes for patients in low and middle-income countries by providing effective treatment strategies that are accessible and tailored to their needs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that non-specialists can effectively deliver mental health care in low-resource settings, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meffert, Susan M. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Meffert, Susan M.
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 below.