Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing in Rural Dwelling Samples

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Discrimination, Perceived

• Registration Number: NCT06909734
• Lead Sponsor: Alexandria University

Brief Summary

Leprosy remains a profoundly stigmatized condition in many rural communities worldwide, fostering social exclusion, body image dissatisfaction, and diminished mental health outcomes. TTrauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing (TIMI) emerges as a promising paradigm to address these psychosocial challenges, enhancing resilience, improving self-perception, and fostering social re-engagement.

Detailed Description

Introduction

Leprosy remains a profoundly stigmatised condition in many rural communities worldwide, fostering social exclusion, body image dissatisfaction, and diminished mental health outcomes. Traditional biomedical approaches, while essential for physical recovery, often neglect the psychological and social ramifications of the disease. Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing (TIMI) emerges as a promising paradigm to address these psychosocial challenges, enhancing resilience, improving self-perception, and fostering social re-engagement.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Leprosy

Leprosy-related stigma is multifaceted, rooted in cultural beliefs, misinformation, and visible physical impairments. Affected individuals frequently endure social rejection, which fosters feelings of shame, body image dissatisfaction, and emotional distress. These experiences, akin to trauma, may disrupt self-efficacy and hinder engagement with both healthcare systems and social networks.

Trauma-Informed Motivational Interviewing: Core Principles

TIMI integrates two evidence-based approaches: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). TIC emphasises understanding and acknowledging the impact of trauma on individuals' behaviours and emotional well-being. MI, a client-centred approach, fosters intrinsic motivation for change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal autonomy.

The synergy of TIMI rests on five core principles:

Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety in all interactions.

Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building a collaborative, open relationship.

Peer Support and Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to harness personal and community strengths.

Collaboration and Mutuality: Shifting the power dynamic to promote shared decision-making.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Awareness: Respecting cultural narratives and addressing systemic inequalities.

Addressing Key Psychosocial Challenges

Combatting Discrimination and Stigma: TIMI helps reframe self-perceptions, encouraging individuals to challenge internalised stigma and societal bias. By fostering empathy and understanding, community members may also engage in reducing discriminatory attitudes.

Improving Body Image and Self-Esteem: Acknowledging the emotional weight of physical changes, TIMI supports individuals in developing healthier self-concepts. Through guided dialogue, participants explore their strengths and redefine their value beyond appearance.

Building Resilience: TIMI fosters a growth mindset, promoting coping strategies that empower individuals to navigate adversity. This is crucial in rural settings where access to mental health services may be limited.

Enhancing Social Engagement: By empowering participants to explore their personal goals and values, TIMI helps identify pathways to meaningful social connections, promoting reintegration into community life.

Implementation in Rural Contexts

Adapting TIMI to rural environments necessitates a culturally sensitive approach. Training local healthcare providers, community leaders, and peer mentors in TIMI principles ensures sustainability. Additionally, integrating TIMI within existing community health frameworks, such as primary healthcare clinics or local support groups, facilitates accessibility.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-03-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-22
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-27
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-18
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-23
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-20
• Study Completion: 2025-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

• Individuals with a confirmed medical diagnosis of leprosy (current or past) experiencing physical, emotional, or social consequences.

Exclusion Criteria

• Severe Cognitive or Psychiatric Impairments:

Individuals with severe mental health conditions (e.g., untreated psychosis, severe intellectual disabilities) that impede the reflective, goal-setting nature of Motivational Interviewing.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Leprosy-Related Discrimination	1 month and half	To assess the stigma surrounding leprosy, this scale comprises four domains: Experienced stigma, Disclosure concerns, Internalized stigma, and Anticipated stigma. Each domain aims to capture different facets of the stigma experienced by individuals affected by leprosy. With a total of 21 questions, the SARI Stigma Scale explores how patients encounter stigma in their daily lives. The scoring method used is that if the patient answers no, do not know, or it is not relevant, they will be given a score of zero, whereas if they answer yes, the patient will receive a score ranging from one to three depending on the frequency the patient experiences.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Body Image Psychological Inflexibility Scale (BIPIS).	1 month and half	Body Image Psychological Inflexibility Scale (BIPIS). The BIPIS was developed by the Callaghan et al., (2015) and is the scale under investigation. The tool resulted in 16-item scale had high internal consistency (%0.93). Scores on the BIPIS are calculated by summing the total (item 9 is reverse scored); higher scores indicate greater psychological inflexibility. Each item is rated on a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (never true) to 7 (always true). All BIPIS items are summed for a total, and higher scores are indicative of higher levels of psychological inflexibility in body image.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Nursing; 🇪🇬 Alexandria, Egypt