NCT06176638

Resettled Refugee Families for Healing

Resettled Refugee Families for Healing (RRF4H): A Study of Intergenerational Impact of War Trauma and Resilience

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 308 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 14 Years – 17 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial is to test a family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a virtual peer mentoring program called TeenAge Health Consultants (Virtual TAHC) aimed at addressing emotional and behavioral problems among youth born in the U.S. to parents resettled as refugees. The specific aims of the study are: Aim 1: To systematically adapt an evidence-based family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a peer mentoring program (Virtual TAHC) (Goal 1). Aim 2: To assess preliminary short- and long-term impact of the combination intervention (MFG + Virtual TAHC) on behavioral emotional disorders (aggressive behavior, antisocial behaviors, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder \[PTSD\]) related to intergenerational trauma among SGRC in the trial (Goal 2). Aim 3: Utilizing mixed methods and applying the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, examine implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers of the RRF4H intervention (Goal 3). Participants will receive: 1. Family strengthening intervention delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) where children and one of their biological parents will participate in 16 weekly group sessions to discuss common problems and how to address them. 2. The youth in the intervention will participate in a peer mentorship program called TeenAge Health Consultants (TAHC) consisting of 16 weekly virtual sessions where they interact with other youth to learn about important topics including how to deal with conflict, stay out of trouble, deal with stress, avoid drugs and other topics. Researchers will compare the intervention group to a control group that will receive the usual care to see if the intervention group shows improvement in symptoms compared to the usual care group.

Detailed description

This is a type 1hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to test a combination intervention designed to improve intergenerational trauma-related mental health symptoms among second generation refugee children (SGRC). Guided by Social Action and Family Systems theories, and applying them to the ITT framework, the proposed combination intervention consists of: family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) + peer mentoring program called TeenAge Health Consultants (TAHC) adapted for delivery in virtual environment (Virtual TAHC). The proposed study, titled Resettled Refugee Families for Healing (RRF4H): A Study of Intergenerational Impact of War Trauma and Resilience, will target refugee families resettled in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. Using a two-arm randomized controlled trial, the investigators plan to recruit 154 children (77 per study arm), ages 14 - 17 and at least one biological parent per youth from resettled refugee communities. The intervention will be implemented over 16 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 16 weeks, and 6 months follow-up. The intervention will have the following specific aims: (1) systematically adapt an evidence-based family strengthening (FS) model delivered through multiple family groups (MFG) combined with a peer mentoring program (Virtual TAHC) (Goal 1); (2) assess preliminary short- and long-term impact of the combination intervention (MFG + Virtual TAHC) on behavioral emotional disorders (aggressive behavior, antisocial behaviors, anxiety, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder \[PTSD\]) related to intergenerational trauma among SGRC in the trial (Goal 2); and (3) utilizing mixed methods and applying the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, examine implementation strategies, facilitators, and barriers of the RRF4H intervention (Goal 3).

Conditions

• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
• Depression
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Anxiety
• Aggressive Behavior

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	RRF4H Combination Intervention	MFG: is a family strengthening model where children and their parents sit together in groups of 8 to 10 families to discuss important issues. MFG approach provides a social support mechanism and strengthens family relationships by allowing families to share common experiences as well as effective strategies for addressing difficult issues; and focuses on reducing stigma and normalizing common experiences. TAHC: This is a peer-led program that allows younger students to talk with peers about important issues that they face, gain role models, and identify positive social norms from older peers. It provides age-appropriate lessons and is delivered in a structured fashion. The curriculum consists of sixteen 50-minute lessons spread out over two academic years. Topics delivered in the curriculum include substance use, positive outlook on life, forming a positive self-concept, decision making and problem solving, coping with depression, bullying and social media.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-08-31
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2023-12-20
• Last updated: 2025-05-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States