Evaluating the effects of StrongMinds Community-Based group interpersonal therapy on depression and secondary outcomes in uganda: a cluster randomized controlled trial
NCT ID NCT07812311
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the StrongMinds Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT-G) program on depressive symptoms (primary outcome) and measures related to quality of life, social, economic, educational outcomes, and within-household spillover effects (secondary outcomes). This study is a two-arm, parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which villages serve as the unit of randomization. 100 villages across two districts in Uganda, Luuka and Buikwe, have been randomly assigned in equal proportion to one of two conditions: (1) a treatment arm, in which eligible participants receive StrongMinds' 6-week community-based IPT-G program, or (2) a control arm, in which eligible participants receive enhanced-treatment-as-usual (ETAU), involving psychoeducation and referral to a nurse. Primary hypothesis: Participants in villages randomized to receive IPT-G will exhibit a significantly greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scores at 6 months post-treatment compared to participants in ETAU villages.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
1,213 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jul 2026
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
15 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Score ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) at screening, indicating at least moderate depressive symptoms. 2. Are aged 15 and above. 3. Are a permanent resident of the study village. 4. Provide written informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent, in case of a non-emancipated minor). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Report active suicidal ideation (assessed via PHQ-9 item 9). Individuals excluded on this basis will be immediately referred for care in accordance with the protocol described in Section 2.10 and Annex H. 2. Are identified as currently experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) requiring immediate safety intervention and referral. 3. Are unable to provide informed consent due to cognitive impairment, severe distress, or other factors as assessed by the research assistant. 4. Have previously participated in a StrongMinds IPT-G group. Individuals excluded due to suicidal ideation or GBV will be referred to appropriate services (see Section 2.10) and will not be enrolled in the study. Individuals with active suicidal ideation will be excluded because group IPT-G cannot provide the individualized monitoring and crisis response that acute suicidality requires.These exclusions are intended to ensure participant safety and do not preclude individuals from receiving StrongMinds services outside the study context.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Depression - major depressive disorder are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
StrongMinds Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Biotype-assigned augmentation approach in resistant Late-Life depression (BAARD): a randomized controlled trial
- Intramuscular ketamine for suicidal patients in the evanston hospital emergency department for suicidal distress: a pilot study
- Can talk therapy mend more than mood in marital crisis?
- A brain stimulation trial aims to rewire the circuit behind depression
- Mindfulness body scan may calm stress and inflammation after floods
- Mindfulness may tame the Body's stress fire after repeated floods