Mixed Methods Implementation Evaluation of an Integrated Depression and Microfinance Program for Women in Vietnam (LIFE-DM)

RanD

Status: Completed

Conditions: Depression

Treatments: Other: LIFE-DM Group (Integrated Depression and Livelihood Group Intervention)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04218214

2017-0716

Details and patient eligibility

About

This is an implementation project to develop a model to support implementation of LIFE-DM, an evidence-based practice (EBP) program that integrates depression management with microfinance services to address both poverty and depression among low-income women in Vietnam. This evaluation is a mixed methods study that will 1) describe the development of community-partnered implementation process, 2) study the effectiveness of the training and implementation support plan on provider and patient outcomes, and 3) identify factors that impact implementation success.

Full description

Livelihood Integration for Effective Depression Management (LIFE-DM) aims to address the dual challenges of poverty and depression faced by women in Vietnam by integrating evidence-based treatment for depression management and microfinance services. With funding from NIMH, the investigators established initial evidence for the effectiveness of LIFE-DM in reducing depression and improving functioning, social support, self-efficacy, and income at six months. These treatment effects were maintained at twelve months, suggesting that the LIFE-DM program may be an effective strategy to break the cycle of depression and poverty in low-income women.

For the Grand Challenges of Canada (GCC) Transition to Scale Grant, the investigators developed a model to scale up the program in the public health and social system across two provinces, Danang and Thua Thien Hue through 1) the training of local trainers from the psychiatric hospital to support local implementation, 2) development of a supervision model, and 3) use of a learning collaborative.

To evaluate the success of the model, the investigators will conduct a mixed methods implementation study that will assess implementation and patient outcomes according to the RE-AIM framework, as well as identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Enrollment: 141 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• depression - based on Patient Health Questionnaire Total Score = > 9
• low-income
• female
• ages 18 - 60

Exclusion criteria

• psychosis risk
• mania risk
• substance abuse risk
• high suicide risk
• physical disabilities
• significant cognitive impairments

Trial design

141 participants in 1 patient group

LIFE-DM Group

Description:

The LIFE-DM group is a 12-session based on Behavior Activation and Problem Solving therapy for depression applied to both mood problems and livelihood stressors. Livelihood supports includes training on personal finance, referrals to vocational training, and microfinance loans of 2 million VND. The group is provided at the local commune health stations, and facilitated by primary care health provider and a lay community provider from the Women's Union.

Treatment:

Other: LIFE-DM Group (Integrated Depression and Livelihood Group Intervention)