CIHR CTN Funded YSMENA SMART Study
Sex and sexual health practices of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) youth in Canada are under-researched, even as the community grows rapidly due to immigration. In our previous study (YSMENA) of MENA youth, we found that gay and bisexual cis men and trans youth experience unique sexual and mental health challenges associated with high HIV risk (condomless sex and substance use), including barriers to accessing health care, homophobia, and strained familial relationships. This program was established to promote the mental health of MENA youth and reduce HIV high risk practices in gay, bisexual and trans MENA youth in Ontario.
Research Phases
Few studies have evaluated interventions that address mental health risks and promote well-being among sexual and gender minority youth, and none among MENA youth. We propose a community-based, mixed-methods pilot intervention to assess the feasibility and assist in planning a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Self-Compassion, Mindful Acceptance, and Resilience Transformation (SMART): an 8- week group-based training — with a delayed-treatment waitlist control group.
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The central objectives of the study are:
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This study aims to promote mental well-being, reduce psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) and reduce HIV high risk practices in gay, bisexual and trans MENA youth in Ontario.
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We hypothesize that participants in the proposed mindfulness-based group intervention with integrated culturally relevant, LGBTQ affirmative practice will have increased safer sex practices and improved mental health compared to participants in the waitlist control group and that the intervention will be feasible to implement and acceptable to potential participants.
Methodology
The methodology for this project is to complete it in 2 phases. These are:
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A quantitative component that includes a waitlist randomized controlled trial
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A qualitative component that involves focus groups.
​Data will be gathered using self-completed surveys and focus groups, where participants will be asked to complete the baseline self-completed surveys online before commencing the program. Eligible participants will be randomized to either receive SMART intervention or be waitlisted.
Both groups will also complete the surveys 12 weeks (3 months) post-intervention.
Qualitative data will be gathered through focus groups that will be conducted for both intervention and control groups at 12 weeks (3 months) post intervention.​
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Check Back for Updates
For enquiries or further updates about the CIHR CTN YSMENA SMART Study, please contact us.
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We value participation, collaboration and support.
CIHR CTN Funded YSMENA SMART Study Team
Nominated Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigators
Principal Knowledge Users
This is a collaborative study with the following community partners:
Acknowledgements
Our sincere appreciation and thanks to:
Our participants for their commitment, time, and sharing of their life-experiences. Their collective commitment will contribute to these studies for important advancements in the progression of YSMENA studies.
Funding
Promoting Mental Health and Reducing HIV Risk Behaviours through Self-compassion, Mindful Acceptance & Resilience Transformation (SMART): An Evidence-informed Pilot Randomized Trial with Diaspora MENA Gay, Bisexual and Trans Youth in Ontario. This study was funded by a CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CIHR/CTN) Pilot Grant. For more information about the CTNPT 049: SMART Intervention in Middle Eastern and North African Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Youth Study, please check this CTN website link