A digital mental health intervention to reduce depressive symptoms among overseas Filipino workers: Protocol for a pilot hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial

• Main Authors: Garabiles, Melissa R, Liem, Andrian, Pakingan, Karmia A, Chen, Wen, Iok Fong Lam, Agnes, Burchert, Sebastian, Hall, Brian J
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2020
• Subjects: Digital mental health; Telemedicine; Migrant workers; Migrant health; Global mental health; Mixed methods; Multicultural Psychology; Psychology
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/psychology-faculty-pubs/267; https://archium.ateneo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1266&context=psychology-faculty-pubs
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Background: The current pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol will comprehensively describe the implementation of a culturally adapted Filipino version of the World Health Organization Step-by-Step (SbS-F) program, unguided online psychological intervention for people with depression based on behavioral activation, among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Macao (Special Administrative Region). The main objective of this pilot study is to explore the preliminary effectiveness of the SbS-F program to decrease participant-reported depressive symptoms compared to enhanced care as usual (ECAU); and the secondary objectives are to explore the preliminary effectiveness of the SbS-F to decrease participant-reported anxiety symptoms and improve wellbeing, and to evaluate the potential for SbS-F implementation in real-world settings. Methods: This trial will follow an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type 1 trial design and utilize the Reach, Efficacy/Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to accelerate the translation of clinical research into more effective implementation strategies and policies. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to control and treatment groups. Control group participants will receive ECAU that consists of brief depression psychoeducation and referral to local community partners. Treatment group participants will receive a 5-session of digital intervention through a mobile phone application. The primary outcome (depression) and psychological secondary outcomes (anxiety symptoms and wellbeing) will be measured using validated instruments. To evaluate study implementation, an embedded mixed-methods design will be used to collect data from various stakeholders. Data then will be analyzed using intention to treat principle and reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline.