Using peer mentors to support self-care for older adults with depression
Peer Enhanced Depression Care: Using Peer Mentors to Provide Self-Care Support to Low-Income and Minority Older Adults
This study is looking at how a program where trained peers who have dealt with depression themselves can help older adults from low-income and minority backgrounds by meeting weekly to share self-care tips and connect them with community resources, to see if this support makes a positive difference in their lives compared to regular social visits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10656764 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a community-based program where peer mentors, who have experienced depression themselves, provide support to low-income and minority older adults. Participants will engage in eight weekly meetings focused on self-care strategies to alleviate depressive symptoms and connect with community resources. The program aims to improve access to mental health care and enhance the quality of life for these individuals. The effectiveness of this peer-delivered care will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial comparing it to traditional social interaction visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income and minority older adults aged 21 and above who are experiencing symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing depression or who do not fall within the low-income or minority categories may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes and quality of life for older adults suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that peer support models can be effective in improving mental health outcomes, suggesting a promising approach in this context.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joo, Jin Hui — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Joo, Jin Hui
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.