Peer-supported mindfulness-based intervention for managing depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Depression in older adulthood is a public health concern. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and cognitive therapy can reduce depressive symptoms but require substantial time commitments. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial testing a briefer, peer-supported mindfulness intervention. Community-dwelling adults over 60 with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms will receive either a social worker-led six-session mindfulness intervention or the same intervention with peer supporters. A total of 138 participants will be recruited. Depressive symptoms, measured by the PHQ-9, will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and three months later. Data from a prior study will be matched as a comparison group. Results will suggest whether this scalable approach improves accessibility and mental health outcomes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depression in old age is a public health concern contributing to individual and societal burdens. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) have shown promise in reducing depressive symptoms. However, time commitments associated with these interventions could pose challenges to older adults. To address this, we propose a briefer mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) with peer supporters to engage and support participants experiencing time constraints and distress. This protocol describes a study examining the efficacy of a peer-supported MBI in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. The study involves a two-arm randomized controlled trial and a propensity score-matched comparison group. Participants will receive either (1) a social worker-led MBI consisting of six weekly 2-h sessions or (2) the same MBI supplemented with peer supporters. A total of 138 community-dwelling older adults above 60 years old, with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms, will be recruited through local non-governmental organizations. Study metrics will be assessed at baseline, completion of the intervention, and 3 months following the intervention, through self-assessed questionnaires. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9. Data (n = 69) from a prior study involving mindfulness teacher-led MBCT with the same participant criteria and data collection procedures will be matched to the other two groups using propensity scores. The study results will suggest the efficacy and scalability of a peer-supported MBI in community mental health services, improving intervention accessibility and the mental health of older adults. ClinicalTrials.govNCT06528132 on 30 July 2024.