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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 and up

Alleviating Loneliness for Older Adults in Poverty with a Multi-Level Approach

Official title: Alleviating Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Poverty: A Multi-level Intervention

Run by Education University of Hong Kong · NCT07123064 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests a multi-level program to reduce loneliness among Hong Kong Chinese adults aged 65+ living in poverty.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment1344 (estimated)
SponsorEducation University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2026
Main results expectedMay 31, 2029
Study endsMay 31, 2029
Registry record updatedJuly 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT07123064 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Older adults (65+) in Hong Kong who are living in poverty, speak Cantonese, and report loneliness (UCLA 3-item score ≥ 6).

Probably not a fit

Individuals with cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, active suicidal ideation, or recent engagement in other psychosocial interventions may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This cluster-randomized trial will compare four arms—the multi-level intervention targeting individual, interpersonal, and community factors, plus an education control—to see if the program lowers loneliness and is cost-effective. It uses the BPS-Pathways model to guide selected interventions, mediators, and outcomes. Participants are 65 or older, living in poverty, Cantonese-speaking, and experiencing loneliness, with exclusions for cognitive or psychiatric disorders and recent psychosocial involvement. The study is designed as a four-arm, single-blinded design in Hong Kong, with analysis focusing on loneliness scores and secondary outcomes over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced loneliness and improved well-being, with potential for scalable, community-based implementation.

How similar studies have gone: Previous loneliness interventions have shown benefits for similar groups, but multi-level approaches remain exploratory and this design tests their added value and cost-effectiveness.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged 65 years or older
* living in poverty (defined: inability to afford at least 5 items on the material deprivation index)
* proficiency in spoken Cantonese
* experiencing loneliness (defined: score of ≥ 6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale)

Exclusion Criteria:

* cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, learning disabilities, or active suicidal ideation
* actively participating in other psychotherapy or psychosocial interventions in the past 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

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Where it's running

  • The Education University of Hong Kong
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Kee Lee Chou, PhD — The Education University of Hong Kong

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.