Integrating a culturally adapted mental health intervention within entrepreneurship training for displaced youth in Colombia: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: In Colombia, ~ 9 million youth and families have been negatively affected by decades of conflict and displacement, and ~ 2.9 million Venezuelans have migrated to Colombia. Many have experienced mental health issues in addition to socio-economic problems, but significant gaps remain in mental health service provision. We conducted a pilot-feasibility study of a culturally adapted mental health intervention integrated within entrepreneurship training for displaced Venezuelan and Colombian youth in Bogota, Colombia.

Methods: We recruited and enrolled 296 youth (52% Colombian; 71% female) aged 18-30 residing in Bogota with histories of displacement. Youth were randomized to a 2-week (10-day) integrated mental health and entrepreneurship program or to a waitlist control. Qualitative data on feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness was collected via exit interviews with a subset of youth (N = 24) and facilitators (N = 10). Quantitative data on mental health outcomes was collected at baseline, post-intervention and 6-month follow-up. Qualitative data was analyzed using an open-coding process. Quantitative data was analyzed using linear mixed effects models focusing on intent-to-treat impacts.

Results: Qualitative findings suggested that participants were highly satisfied with the intervention, but they faced challenges with participation, including difficulties with transportation, childcare, and work schedules. Mixed effects models showed no significant differences on mental health outcomes between intervention participants compared with controls.

Conclusion: Venezuelan and Colombian youth with histories of displacement perceived the integrated intervention as acceptable and beneficial, but attending the 10-day program was challenging. Future implementation efforts should consider hybrid formats or adjusting delivery pacing to better fit the daily lives of displaced youth.

Clinical trials registry: NCT05857722.