Clinical trial Recruiting at 8 sites Interventional Ages 60 and up

Mindfulness intervention led by social workers for older adults

Official title: Social Worker-led Mindfulness-based Intervention for Managing Depressive Symptoms in Community-dwelling Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06528132 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a mindfulness program led by social workers can help older adults with mild to moderate depression feel better, especially when they have peer supporters with them.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment207 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations13 sites (Eastern District and 12 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 23, 2024
Main results expectedMarch 16, 2026
Study endsMarch 16, 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 20, 2024
Trial IDNCT06528132 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60 and older who exhibit mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe mental health conditions or imminent suicidal risk may not benefit from this intervention.

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

What this trial studies

This project evaluates the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) led by social workers to improve depressive symptoms in older adults with mild to moderate depression. It compares outcomes between participants receiving the intervention with and without peer supporters. The study also aims to identify mechanisms of change in managing depressive symptoms through this modified approach. Previous findings suggest that social workers can effectively support mindfulness practices, but their independent leadership in such interventions needs further exploration.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a scalable and accessible method for managing depressive symptoms in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, but the specific approach of social worker-led interventions is still being tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 60 years or older
* have depressive symptoms of mild level or above, as indicated by scoring 5-14 on PHQ-9
* can give informed consent to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* known history of autism, intellectual disability, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, or dementia
* current abuse of drugs or alcohol
* difficulty in communication
* imminent suicidal risk
* timing or training is unsuitable for the participant

Where it's running

  • Hong Kong Society for the Aged
    Eastern District, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • HKSKH Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre
    Kowloon City, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • SKH Holy Carpenter Church
    Kowloon City, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong
    Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • TWGHs Lok Hong Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness
    Sai Wan, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • Wilson T.S. Wang District Elderly Community Centre
    Shatin, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
Show 7 more locations
  • The Salvation Army Taipo Multi-Service Centre for Senior Citizens
    Tai Po, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council
    Tuenmen, Hong Kong
    Recruiting
  • Haven of Hope District Elderly Community Service
    Sai Kung, Hong Kong
    Not yet recruiting
  • Wellness Zone - Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness
    Sai Kung, Hong Kong
    Not yet recruiting
  • HKSKH Western District Elderly Community Centre
    Sai Wan, Hong Kong
    Not yet recruiting
  • Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association
    Southern District, Hong Kong
    Not yet recruiting
  • SKH Wong Tai Sin District Elderly Community Centre
    Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Terry YS Lum, PhD — Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong
  • Study coordinator: Dara KY Leung, PhD
  • Email: daralky@hku.hk
  • Phone: 3917-0081

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.
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.