Digital tool to enhance mental health services in Rwanda
Testing an mHealth Digital Dashboard to Improve Quality of Delivery of Evidence-based Interventions That Promote Family Mental Health and Functioning in Rwanda: A Hybrid Type 3 Study
This study is testing a new digital tool to see if it can help improve mental health and support for families with young children in Rwanda.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1810 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kigali, Kigali) |
| Trial ID | NCT06941831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a technology-enabled service delivery model for the Sugira Muryango program, which aims to improve mental health and social services in Rwanda. By utilizing a digital dashboard, the program enhances data collection, visibility of performance metrics, and provides resources for continuous learning and training. The intervention targets primary caregivers of children under three years old, focusing on improving family functioning and reducing family violence. The study assesses the feasibility and impact of this digital approach in a context affected by historical trauma and ongoing mental health challenges.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include primary caregivers of children aged 0-36 months living in Rwanda, particularly those categorized as Ubudehe 1 under the socio-economic classification.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have children within the specified age range or do not meet the socio-economic criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mental health outcomes for families in Rwanda and enhance the overall quality of care provided.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar technology-enabled interventions in mental health, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Household inclusion criteria: Participants must be the primary caregiver to a child between birth and 36 months. Caregivers must live in the same household as the child and must be the child's legal guardian. Legal guardians may be parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, or foster parents. Participants must be categorized as Ubudehe 1 under the socio-economic categorization of households from LODA. * Government Official inclusion criteria: Government officials must be located at the Village, Cell, Sector and/or District level and must participate in the 1-day ECD training. Government officials must also agree to participate in the PLAY Collaborative activities throughout the course of program delivery. * IZU interventionist inclusion criteria: IZUs must be a part of the Inshuti z'Umuryango/Friends of the Family program, must be over the age of 18, and must be literate in Kinyarwanda. * Cell Level IZU Mentor inclusion criteria: Cell Level IZU Coordinators must be situated at the Cell Level and able to supervise at least 12 IZU interventionists, must be over 18 years of age, and must be literate in Kinyarwanda. Exclusion Criteria: * Household exclusion criteria: Potential participants will be excluded if they do not meet the inclusion criteria above, are experiencing an active crisis (e.g., psychosis), or have severe cognitive impairments which preclude their ability to speak to the research questions/assessments under scrutiny. * Government Official exclusion criteria: Government officials will be excluded from participation in the PLAY Collaborative if they are not located at the Cell, Sector or District level and if they are unable to meet the demands of participation in the PLAY Collaborative. * IZU interventionist exclusion criteria: IZUs will be excluded from participation if they do not meet the inclusion criteria above and if they are unable to meet the demands of delivering the Sugira Muryango program. * Cell Level IZU Mentor exclusion criteria: Cell Level IZU Coordinators will be excluded if they do not meet the inclusion criteria above or are unable to meet the demands of supporting the delivery of the Sugira Muryango program.
Where this trial is running
Kigali, Kigali
- FXB-Rwanda / 2XHQ+F2G Umerenge wa Runda, Runda, Rwanda — Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Theresa S Betancourt, MA, Sc.D. — Boston College Research Program on Children and Adversity
- Study coordinator: Lauren J Pisani, PhD
- Email: pisanila@bc.edu
- Phone: 617-552-8397
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.