Helping families in poverty improve health and well-being
CONNECTING FAMILIES: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Primary Care Poverty Screening and Financial Support Navigation for Families of Young Children
This study tests whether having a Community Support Worker can help families with young children who are struggling financially to improve their income, reduce stress, and boost their children's health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Day to 3 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queen's University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kingston, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05091957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Community Support Worker who assists families with young children in navigating social services and financial supports. By identifying families experiencing financial strain, the intervention seeks to improve family income, reduce parenting stress, and enhance children's health outcomes. The study will employ a randomized controlled trial design, enrolling families with children under three years old who report difficulties making ends meet. The intervention will be compared to usual care to assess its impact on health and well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are parents of children under three years old who report financial difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients without legal status in Canada or those already receiving navigation support may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the health and quality of life for families living in poverty.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on similar interventions, the pilot study indicated feasibility, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parents of children (younger than 3 years) attending a regularly scheduled primary care visit. * Parents respond affirmatively to the question "Do you ever have difficulty making ends meet at the end of the month?" * Informed parental consent. Only one child will be enrolled per family. For families with more than one child, we will enroll the youngest eligible child, since literature suggests that impact of reducing family stress may be greater at younger ages; for multiple births, one child will be randomly selected for inclusion. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Parents without legal status in Canada, as they are not eligible for many Canadian social programs. 2. Families who are receiving system navigation support, such as from a social worker or public health nurse, or who have received system navigation support within one year prior to enrolment. 3. Child with a previously diagnosed developmental disorder, genetic, chromosomal or syndromic condition. 4. Child born prematurely (gestational age less than 32 weeks).
Where this trial is running
Kingston, Ontario
- Queen's Family Health Team — Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Imaan Bayoumi
- Email: bayoumi@queensu.ca
- Phone: 613-331-2371
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.