RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07222696

Healthier: Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Improve Mental Well-Being

Pilot Randomized Trial of Health Coaching for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis to Improve Mental Well-Being

Sponsor

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Enrollment

250 participants

Start Date

Jan 12, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if peer coaching works to reduce levels of anxiety and/or depression in adults diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The main questions it aims to answer are: Do people with RA who complete the intervention with a peer coach have lower levels of anxiety and/or depression at 6 months from baseline? Do people with RA who complete the intervention with a peer coach have lower levels of anxiety and/or depression at 6 months compared to those in the control arm? Researchers will compare the peer coaching intervention to an active-control arm (where people without RA coach participants on general health and nutrition topics) to see if peer coaching works to reduce anxiety and/or depression. Participants will meet with a coach every week for 9 weeks and complete several surveys before, during and after the intervention

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study (Healthier) is testing whether one-on-one health coaching — delivered by a trained peer or professional coach — can improve mental well-being (reducing depression and anxiety) in people with rheumatoid arthritis who are struggling emotionally while managing their disease. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older, male or female - You have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by a rheumatologist - You are currently on a disease-modifying drug for RA (conventional or biologic) - You have moderate depression (PHQ-8 score of 10-20) OR significant anxiety (GAD-7 score above 10) - You speak English or Spanish - You have internet access and a computer or smartphone - You live anywhere in the U.S., including Puerto Rico **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a different rheumatic disease (e.g., lupus, gout, psoriatic arthritis) - You live in a nursing home - You have dementia or severe cognitive decline - You are bedbound - Your depression is severe (PHQ-8 score above 20) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALPeer Coach

The method that will be used in this trial will be peer coaching. Peer coaches are lay individuals who themselves have the targeted chronic condition, that for the purpose of this study is people with RA, allowing people to identify with their peers and increase confidence that they too can achieve favorable outcomes. They will use components of CBT, mindfulness, and exercise material that have been effective in improving mental and physical health in patients with RA. The Healthier intervention is distinct from these others because it focuses on a high-priority symptom experienced by people with RA: chronic pain. It mobilizes a behavior that impacts numerous dimensions beyond pain, including mobility, mood, cardiovascular health, and mortality.

BEHAVIORALHealthy Horizons

Participants in the active comparator arm will have telephone calls with a coach that does not have rheumatoid arthritis and who will deliver a nine-session intervention on general health topics that are widely available including topics on nutrition and cancer awareness. These coaches will not use CBT, mindfulness or make any references to exercise or physical activity.

Locations(1)

Weill Cornell Medical College

New York, New York, United States

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NCT07222696