Weyera: Wellness and resilience program for Ethiopian and Eritrean young adults
Piloting Resilience Focused Mental Health Intervention (Weyera) With Ethiopian and Eritrean Youth
This pilot will see if a culturally tailored group program that teaches psychoeducation and coping skills helps Ethiopian and Eritrean young adults (ages 18–29) in Atlanta and is acceptable and feasible.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06960187 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Weyera is a culturally targeted, group-level intervention delivering eight weekly ~2-hour sessions led by trained community health workers to provide psychoeducation, teach coping skills, and create space for open discussion. The pilot uses a randomized waitlist control design, with some participants receiving the intervention immediately and others after a delay. Participants complete baseline and follow-up surveys at 2, 4, and 6 months plus brief evaluations after each session to measure acceptability, feasibility, and safety. The goal is to refine the program before testing it in a larger effectiveness trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are English-reading Ethiopian or Eritrean young adults aged 18–29 who live in the Atlanta metropolitan area and can attend eight weekly ~2-hour group sessions and follow-up surveys.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–29 age range, not of Ethiopian/Eritrean background, not living in the Atlanta area, unable to read English, unable to attend sessions, or who require immediate individual psychiatric treatment are unlikely to benefit from this group pilot.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Weyera could boost resilience and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among Ethiopian and Eritrean young adults by teaching coping skills and strengthening community support.
How similar studies have performed: Culturally adapted group psychoeducation and coping-skill programs have shown promise in other immigrant youth groups, but Weyera is a novel pilot specifically focused on Ethiopian and Eritrean youth.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 29 years old * Ethiopian and/or Eritrean ethnicity by self-report * Able to read and understand English * Resident of Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area * Available and interested to participate in 2-hour weekly sessions over 8 weeks and complete relevant surveys Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 or \> 29 years old * Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent. * Not a resident of the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 2 other locations
- Rollins School of Public Health — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Ethiopian Community Association In Atlanta — Clarkston, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Eritrean-American Community Association of Georgia — Stone Mountain, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sophia Hussen, MD, MPH — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Sophia Hussen, MD, MPH
- Email: shussen@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 616-2440
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.