Integrated Tele-Behavioral Activation and Fall Prevention for Low-income Homebound Seniors With Depression

Description

This study will test clinical and cost effectiveness of an integrated tele- and bachelor's-level counselor/coach delivered behavioral activation (BA) and fall prevention (FP) for low-income homebound older adults. The long-term objective of the proposed study is to improve access to depression treatment and fall prevention for growing numbers of low-income homebound seniors. We plan to recruit 320 low-income, racially diverse homebound seniors who are served by a home-delivered meal (HDM) program and other aging-service agencies in Central Texas. In a 4-arm, pragmatic clinical trial with randomization prior to consent, the participants in the integrated Tele-BA and FP (TBF hereafter) arm will receive 5 Tele-BA sessions and 4 in-home FP sessions. Those in the Tele-BA or FP alone arms will receive the respective intervention and 4 bimonthly telephone check-in (booster) calls, and those in the Attention Control (AC) arm will receive 5 weekly telephone check-in calls followed by 4 bimonthly follow-up calls. Follow-up assessments will be at 12, 24, and 36 weeks after baseline.

Conditions

Depression, Unipolar, Fall

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This study will test clinical and cost effectiveness of an integrated tele- and bachelor's-level counselor/coach delivered behavioral activation (BA) and fall prevention (FP) for low-income homebound older adults. The long-term objective of the proposed study is to improve access to depression treatment and fall prevention for growing numbers of low-income homebound seniors. We plan to recruit 320 low-income, racially diverse homebound seniors who are served by a home-delivered meal (HDM) program and other aging-service agencies in Central Texas. In a 4-arm, pragmatic clinical trial with randomization prior to consent, the participants in the integrated Tele-BA and FP (TBF hereafter) arm will receive 5 Tele-BA sessions and 4 in-home FP sessions. Those in the Tele-BA or FP alone arms will receive the respective intervention and 4 bimonthly telephone check-in (booster) calls, and those in the Attention Control (AC) arm will receive 5 weekly telephone check-in calls followed by 4 bimonthly follow-up calls. Follow-up assessments will be at 12, 24, and 36 weeks after baseline.

Integrated Tele-Behavioral Activation and Fall Prevention for Low-income Homebound Older Adults With Depression

Integrated Tele-Behavioral Activation and Fall Prevention for Low-income Homebound Seniors With Depression

Condition
Depression, Unipolar
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Austin

University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States, 78712-0358

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age 50+
  • * English or Spanish proficiency
  • * 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score \> 15
  • * 12-item Fall Risk Questionnaire score \>4
  • * Recently (\< 4 weeks) initiated or modified antidepressant pharmacotherapy
  • * High suicide risk
  • * Probable dementia
  • * Bipolar disorder
  • * Substance use/misuse
  • * Current participation in any psychotherapy or FP program
  • * Bedbound status

Ages Eligible for Study

50 Years to 100 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Texas at Austin,

Namkee G Choi, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Texas at Austin

Study Record Dates

2026-12-31