Improving mental health for orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa
MISC-CBO: a Cluster Randomized Control Trial to Improve the Mental Health of OVC in South Africa
This study is testing a new program to see if it can help caseworkers provide better care and improve the mental health of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 792 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bloemfontein, Free State) |
| Trial ID | NCT05943132 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Mediational Intervention for Sensitizing Caregivers for Community-based Organizations (MISC-CBO) in enhancing the caregiving quality of caseworkers and improving mental health outcomes for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) in South Africa. The study involves a cluster randomized control design with 24 community-based organizations (CBOs) and aims to assess the impact of MISC-CBO over a 24-month period. Participants include 360 children aged 7-11 and 72 caseworkers, with some CBOs receiving the intervention while others continue with standard treatment. The trial seeks to address the mental health challenges faced by OVC due to factors like HIV/AIDS and poverty.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are orphaned and vulnerable children aged 7-11 who reside in the catchment area of participating community-based organizations.
Not a fit: Children with serious birth complications, severe malnutrition, or neurological disabilities may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of community-based organizations in South Africa, similar interventions have shown success in other regions, particularly in Uganda.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Status as OVC. 2. Children will be 7-11 years old 3. Resident in the CBO catchment area 4. Child has a legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children with a medical history of serious birth complications 2. Children with a medical history severe malnutrition 3. Children with a neurological disability
Where this trial is running
Bloemfontein, Free State
- University of the Free State — Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carla Sharp, Ph.D.
- Email: csharp2@uh.edu
- Phone: 7137438612
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.