CTNPT 049: SMART Intervention in Middle Eastern and North African Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Youth
Promoting Mental Health and Reducing HIV Risk Behaviours through Self-compassion, Mindful Acceptance u0026 Resilience Transformation (SMART): An Evidence-informed Pilot Randomized Trial with Diaspora MENA Gay, Bisexual and Trans Youth in Ontario
About the Study
This study will assess the use of the Self-compassion, Mindful Acceptance & Resilience Transformation (SMART) intervention among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) gay, bisexual, and trans youth. As a pilot trial, CTNPT 049 aims to assess the feasibility of the intervention and help plan a larger trial to confirm its effectiveness.
Background
The MENA region has the second fastest growing rate of HIV infections in the world. In Canada, MENA immigrants are expected to triple in the next 25 years. After immigration, this group may face cultural barriers, unemployment, racism, and limited social support that increases vulnerability to HIV. This is particularly pronounced in LGBTQ+ youth, who can experience additional circumstances that increase HIV vulnerability, like homophobia, strained relationships with family and within the community, and lack of access to health care. Responding to these needs, SMART is an evidence-based intervention that aims to reduce intersecting stigmas, promote collective resilience, and improve HIV literacy among participants. This 8-week group intervention aims to promote sustainable behaviour change and resilience to prevent HIV transmission.
Study Approach
The SMART intervention will be delivered virtually (via Zoom) by MENA or other racialized peer facilitators. Participants will attend this group intervention for two hours per week over eight weeks. With input from a gay, bisexual, and trans MENA youth advisory group, the intervention will incorporate racial, sexual, and gender affirming approaches, as well as cultural values relevant to MENA communities. The study will include 40 participants, who will be randomized to either the intervention group or the control group. The control group will be waitlisted, where they will receive the intervention once the other group is finished. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention. A focus group will also be conducted with all participants 3 months after the intervention. Data analysis will focus on whether the SMART intervention was feasible and acceptable to participants, and whether it changed HIV-related behaviours, like condom use, PrEP use, and engagement in risky sexual contexts. Researchers will also look at how the intervention affected mental health, self-compassion, resilience, mindfulness, and HIV literacy.
Eligibility Requirements
Required
- 21-29 years AND gay, cis bisexual, or trans youth;
- self-identified MENA (Arab and West Asian);
- minimal or no prior experience with mindfulness-based interventions;
- able to speak and read English
- have internet access; and
- able to take part in the 8-week intervention
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Not Allowed
- Current enrollment in mental health intervention;
- Enrollment in mental health treatment within the past year
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Investigators
Here’s who is leading this study.
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Email ctninfo@ctnplus.ca.
Participating Sites
St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health
- Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi
- Toronto, ON
Toronto Metropolitan University
- Dr. Josephine Wong
- Toronto, ON
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CTNPT 048: The MOVE-UP Study
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