Social Worker-led Mindfulness-based Intervention for Older People

Summary

Preliminary findings from a previous study conducted by the investigators suggest that a task-shared approach with modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) supported by social workers is beneficial in managing depressive symptoms and improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults. However, the possibility for social workers to lead a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) independently to improve its scalability and service accessibility remains unclear. The project aims to:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of social worker-led MBI in improving depression in older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms as compared to care as usual;
2. Examine the effectiveness of incorporating peer supporters in social worker-led MBI compared to those without peer supporters;
3. To identify potential mechanisms of change in MBI for depressive symptoms.

Conditions

• Depressive Symptoms

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) (enhanced with peer supporters)

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders. On-site support and regular follow-up by peer supporters.

BEHAVIORAL

Experimental: social worker-led MBI (without peer supporters)

Mindfulness-based intervention combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) elements to reduce or prevent recurrent major depressive disorders.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• Christian Family Service Centre

  collaborator OTHER

• The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong

  collaborator OTHER

• The Salvation Army, Hong Kong and Macau Command

  collaborator OTHER

• Haven of Hope Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Tung Wah Group of Hospitals

  collaborator OTHER

• Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association

  collaborator OTHER

• Hong Kong Society for the Aged

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

  collaborator OTHER

• The University of Hong Kong

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Terry YS Lum, PhD · Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-07-23

Primary Completion

2026-03-16

Completion

2026-03-16

Countries

• Hong Kong

Study Locations