Principal Investigator: Earlise Ward, PhD
Co-PI: Mike Fleming, MD, MPH

PI Department: School of Nursing

Summary of Study: The purpose of this study is to improve the mental health of African American adults through increased knowledge of depression/alcohol abuse and healthy coping behaviors.

Objective: The goals of this study are: 1) to test the feasibility and acceptability of the Oh Happy Day Depression and Alcohol (OHDDA) intervention, and 2) to examine short term effects of the OHDDA intervention on depression symptoms, alcohol abuse, and attitude towards seeking treatment for mental health issues.

Study Design: The approved study action consists of posting recruitment flyers. Subjects of the OHDDA intervention will be African American adults ages 30 and older with symptoms of depression and/or alcohol abuse. Participants will participate in a 2 hour, 12-week cognitive behavioral group counseling intervention designed to reduce symptoms of depression and alcohol abuse. Outcome evaluations for the OHDDA will be conducted at baseline, week 6, 12 and at follow-up (24 weeks) using standardized instruments.

DFM Clinic(s): Madison area DFM Clinics. Approved for posting of recruitment flyers.

DFM Contact: Mary Beth Plane, PhD

Study Contact Person:

Earlise Ward, PhD, LP
Assistant Professor
School of Nursing
Clinical Science Center, K6/340
600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792
608-263-0745
ecward@wisc.edu

Date of Approval: October 2009

Dates of Study: 10/2009-9/2010