Relief from stress via social protection in Senegal (RESTORE): Study protocol for a pilot feasibility cluster-randomized controlled trial of self-help plus (SH+) mental health intervention in Senegal

Background: Despite the growing prevalence of mental health disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), significant barriers to seeking and accessing mental health services persist. Within lower-income populations, the prevalence of mental health disorders and barriers to addressing them are worsened by poverty. Self-Help Plus (SH+) is a group-based stress management program delivered using a task-sharing model and designed to circumvent barriers to addressing mental health concerns. Cultural adaptations of SH + have been implemented in several LMICs and are considered cost-effective. However, to date, SH + has not been adapted for Senegalese populations. The study detailed in this manuscript aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of SH+ in lower-income populations in Senegal. Methods: The RESTORE study is a pilot feasibility cluster-randomized controlled trial of SH+ in four Senegalese communities. Clusters of adults in social protection program beneficiary households will be randomly selected to receive five sessions of SH+. The intervention will be delivered in groups of up to 30 beneficiaries and co-facilitated by two community workers. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods will be used to assess the feasibility and acceptability of both the SH + intervention and randomized controlled trial procedures. The main clinical outcome for the study is general psychological well-being measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). The study sample will include adults from social protection program beneficiary households in the treatment and control groups, SH + facilitators, and the intervention supervisor. Discussion: The findings of this study will be used to inform the potential integration of SH+ and/or similar mental health interventions into the national social protection program in Senegal. Trial registration: This study is registered through ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06698471.

Duke Scholars

Author Brandon A. Kohrt Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...