A program to support stressed parents in the Bronx during COVID-19
A Multimodal Parent-focused Intervention for Vulnerable Populations in the Bronx
This study is testing a support program and app to see if they can help stressed parents in the Bronx feel better and access healthcare during COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein College of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (The Bronx, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04991467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on providing support to caregivers in the Bronx who are experiencing moderate stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of the CARE program and the Valera Health app in improving emotional health and access to healthcare. Participants will include caregivers of children with psychiatric conditions, autoimmune illnesses, and frontline healthcare workers. The study will assess various outcomes through surveys conducted at multiple time points over 24 weeks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are primary caregivers in the Bronx with moderate stress levels, particularly those caring for children with psychiatric or autoimmune conditions, or frontline healthcare workers.
Not a fit: Patients with serious psychiatric or substance use issues, active child abuse cases, or those who do not speak English or Spanish may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce parental stress and improve the overall well-being of families affected by the pandemic.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology-based interventions to support mental health, but this specific approach targeting vulnerable populations during the pandemic is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All participants will be primary caregivers who present with moderate level of stress by meeting a severity score of ≥ 14 on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) * Investigators will allow primary caregivers (e.g., grandmothers and aunts) as it is common in the patient population * Clinical cohorts will be active patients in the psychiatric and rheumatology clinics in Montefiore Medical Center (MMC) * Frontline health care providers will be those who are required to work on site at Montefiore Medical Center (MMC) Exclusion Criteria: * Serious psychiatric or substance use difficulty that, in the judgement of the PI, would preclude meaningful participation in a parent intervention * Active child abuse/maltreatment cases * Neurocognitive conditions that may prevent participants from accessing telehealth services * Primary language other than Spanish or English * Use of the Valera Health app or a smartphone health platform similar to the Valera app
Where this trial is running
The Bronx, New York
- Montefiore Medical Center — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan Alpert, MD — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maria Pondikos, BA
- Email: maria.pondikos@einsteinmed.edu
- Phone: 631-965-5095
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.