Reducing mental health stigma in rural Uganda through radio drama

Mental Health Stigma in Rural Uganda

NA · Yale University · NCT06000059

This study is trying to see if a radio drama can help reduce negative feelings about mental illness in rural Uganda by getting the community involved.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University (other)
Locations1 site (Mpunde, Buyende District)
Trial IDNCT06000059 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to understand and reduce stigma towards mental illness in rural Uganda by engaging key community stakeholders, including traditional healers and families. The investigators will develop a radio-based intervention derived from a previously successful theater performance to promote positive attitudes and health-seeking behaviors. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated through community engagement and structured questionnaires assessing stigma levels based on gender and specific mental health conditions. The study leverages the popularity of radio as a medium for social engagement in Uganda.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are residents of the village where the intervention is conducted who are willing to participate in the listening sessions and surveys.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those unable to provide informed consent or those with a family member already participating in the study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve attitudes towards mental health and increase access to mental healthcare in rural communities.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data suggests that similar arts-based interventions have been effective in reducing mental health stigma in low-income countries, indicating potential for success in this novel radio adaptation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant must be willing to fully participate in the study - for the radio stigma intervention, it will include three separate listening sessions and two structured questionnaires. For evaluation of differential levels of stigma based on gender and condition, it will include listening to vignettes portraying mental illness and answering a questionnaire
* All members must reside in the village where the intervention is being conducted.
* Individuals must be able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who cannot or are not able to willingly give consent to participate in this study will be excluded.
* Individuals who already have a family member participating in the study

Where this trial is running

Mpunde, Buyende District

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mental Health Issue

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.