Positive psychology intervention for older adults during COVID-19

Improving Physical and Psychosocial Functioning in Underserved Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community Health Worker-Led Intervention

This study is testing a program that helps older African American adults in Detroit cope with stress during COVID-19 by offering support through phone calls, podcasts, and activities.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 456 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Michigan (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05451589 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention aims to support older adults in Detroit, particularly African Americans, who are experiencing increased distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The RESET program focuses on self-management and resilience-building through group telephone calls, a podcast series, and activity trackers, all facilitated by community health workers. The study will assess improvements in psychosocial and physical functioning at two and eight months after participation. The intervention is designed with input from a Community Advisory Board to ensure it meets the needs of the target population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include older adults experiencing elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fatigue, or loneliness.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment, recent serious illness, or those requiring major surgery in the near future may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the mental and physical well-being of older adults facing challenges during the pandemic.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using community health workers and psychological interventions to improve health outcomes in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Any elevated physical or psychosocial symptoms as follows:

Depression: Score ≥3 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2); Anxiety: Score \> 3 on the GAD-2 anxiety screening scale; Fatigue: Rating \>=4 on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = fatigued at all and 10 = extremely fatigued); Loneliness, as indicated by a score \>=6 on 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale; Perceived stress, as indicated by a mean score \>3 on the Perceived Stress Scale-4; Chronic pain: Self-reported pain in muscles or joints for \>3 months, \>4 (0-10 scale) mean pain intensity over last month, and \>=1 day in past month when pain made it difficult to do usual activities.

* Have a cell or landline phone.
* Able to converse comfortably in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious acute illness or hospitalization in last month.
* Planned major surgery in next three months that would interfere with program participation (e.g., knee or hip replacement).
* Severe cognitive impairment or dementia.
* Any other diseases or conditions that would impair cooperation with the study team or ability to complete study procedures, as determined by the clinicians on the investigative team. This would include but not be limited to severe psychiatric disorders, active suicidal ideations or history of suicide attempts, and an uncontrolled drug and/or alcohol addiction).

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations

• University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
• University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Mary Janevic

Conditions Depressive Symptoms; Anxiety; Chronic Pain; Fatigue; Loneliness; Stress, Psychological