This study sets out to evaluate (i) whether the model in phase two can improve symptoms, quality of life, functioning, and psychological outcomes in young people utilising the hub services (n = 600) compared to those in the community controls (n = 600), (ii) the mechanisms that may drive these improvements, and (iii) whether any particular subgroup(s) of youths (e.g., gender, socio-economic status, migrant status) may benefit more from this service model. The experiment group will include 600 hub users who are not currently using psychiatric medications and do not have a formal diagnosis at the time of enrolling in the hub activity. The control group will also comprise of 600 young people, recruited from a community cohort managed by the research team. The community cohort is accessible via the Youth Epidemiological Study Online platform (YES online), which recruits young people aged 12 to 24 years. Only YES online participants who are not using the service of LevelMind@JC and psychiatric medications will be recruited for this study. The two groups will be matched in age, gender, and baseline distress level measured by the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). There will also be a substudy assessing the effect of four service models: NLPRA eClinic, Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) step-up care, general practitioners, and hub casework support service on symptom-based mental health outcome, comparing a cohort of young people receiving these four services respectively. A total of 252 participants will be recrruited. Another substudy will be conducted to investigate the extent to which participation in Tier 1 activities contributes to improvements in targeted outcome areas, assessing young people (n = 675) before and after their participation of Tier 1 activities. A consecutive sampling will be used, where a subject who meets the criteria of inclusion will be selected until this required sample size is achieved.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,300
Mental Wellness Youth Hubs Intervention aims to set up a series of community-based hubs for young people to enhance cognitive abilities, personal strengths and overall mental well-being. Among the experimental group participants (hub users), they are further divided into three tiers according to their psychological distress level. Tier 1 are youths with mild psychological distress level, who will be invited to participate in some innovative and interesting youth projects and activities (e.g., board game and floral artistry). Tier 2 are youths who have moderate level of psychological distress, or at risk for mental illness. Trained social workers will offer them with specific interventions (e.g., CBT, sleep intervention) according to their needs. Tier 3 are youths with severe level of psychological distress who are at risk for mental disorders. Diagnostic and medical assessment services will be delivered by psychiatrist or clinical psychologists.
The eClinic treatment spans eight to fourteen week and is designed for individuals with moderate to severe mental health issues. The service is provided in a hybrid format, incorporating an in-person initial screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7, followed by online self-learning resources and sessions with a therapist. Pre- and post-treatment assessments as well as follow-ups will be used to keep track of service users' progress.
Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) are the main community-based mental health services in Hong Kong. However, their reach among young people is limited, as their broad target age range primarily focuses on middle-aged individuals. ICCMW offers comprehensive, district-based community support and social rehabilitation services, from early prevention to risk management, for people in mental recovery, those with suspected mental health issues, their families and carers, and residents within the service area, all accessible through a single-entry point.
Services provided by genersl practitioner
Services provided during hub casework sessions
Community
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGChange in Psychological Distress
The 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (scores range from 0 to 24 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Well-being
The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (scores range from 0 to 25 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Quality of Life
The 12-item Short-Form 12 Health Survey (scores range from 0 to 100 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Levels
The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (scores range from 0 to 63 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Social and Occupational Functioning
Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (scores range from 0 to 100 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Sleep Quality
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (scores range from 0 to 21 where a higher score indicates a worse outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Physical Exercise
The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (classify physical activity level into three categories: low, moderate, and high)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Self-Esteem Level
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (scores range from 0 to 30 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Psychological Resilience
The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (scores range from 0 to 40 where a higher score indicates a better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Cognitive Function
Digit Span Test
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
Change in Health Economics
Client Service Receipt Inventory
Time frame: Baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.