Improving Preschool Outcomes by Addressing Maternal Depression in Head Start

Last updated: December 6, 2024
Sponsor: Brown University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Post-partum Depression

Depression

Treatment

Engagement sessions

Problem-solving education (PSE)

Usual care

Clinical Study ID

NCT04092010
2022003398
1R01HD092456-01A1
  • Female

Study Summary

Within a research network of Head Start centers in Massachusetts, an efficacy trial of a stepped-care intervention (SCI) to address maternal depression, using intervention components that both prevent depression and help those in major depressive episode (MDE) engage with care, will be conducted. Both the prevention and engagement components of the model have strong, supportive randomized trial evidence for both their efficacy and safety; but they have yet to be synthesized and tested within a coordinated intervention, applicable to a broad population base. Stepped-care interventions are commonly used in mental health service projects, in which the intensity or type of service is calibrated to the severity of illness.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Mother of a 0 to 5-year-old Head Start child

  • Mother speaks English or Spanish

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Mother with suicidal ideation

  • Mother with cognitive limitation

Study Design

Total Participants: 388
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Engagement sessions
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 16, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
April 30, 2028

Study Description

This research study is a community-based efficacy trial (n=388) of a stepped-care model intervention to strengthen the capacity of Head Start to address parental depression and related adversities. Head Start mothers with symptoms of depressed mood or anhedonia, and their Head Start children, are enrolled across 12 Head Start centers.

The research study aims to improve developmental outcomes for Head Start children by delivering stepped care intervention that incorporates depression prevention and linkage to formal mental health care to mothers. Mothers with low baseline depressive symptoms are offered a problem-solving intervention while mothers with greater symptoms are offered engagement sessions to link them to formal mental health services. At each problem-solving session participant's symptoms are assessed and if the symptoms meet pre-specified 'step-up' criteria, they are converted to Engagement sessions.

Over 12 months, the intervention's effect will be assessed on a series of outcome measures for mothers; mechanisms by which maternal depression is theorized to impact young children; and child outcomes.

Connect with a study center

  • Boston Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts 02119
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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