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Depression and Pain Perseverance Through Empowered Recovery Intervention

Pilot Study of Depression and Pain Perseverance Through Empowered Recovery (DAPPER) Intervention

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04091347
Acronym
DAPPER
Enrollment
34
Registered
2019-09-16
Start date
2020-01-02
Completion date
2023-11-30
Last updated
2025-11-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Aging, Depressive Symptoms, Frailty, Pain

Keywords

African American, Women's Health

Brief summary

African American women who are 50 years of age and older with depressive symptoms, pain and difficulty with mobility will participate in the DAPPER intervention study that includes 8 nurse visits in participants' homes to help participants with participants' pain and mood.

Detailed description

The proposed intervention is called Depression and Pain Perseverance through Empowered Recovery (DAPPER). The investigators are adapting the Get Busy Get Better intervention by adding components (e.g. nurse visits and person directed goals) from the CAPABLE study for this intervention. The investigator will further develop the intervention through this two-phase pilot test. The aims of this pilot project are to 1) test the Depression and Pain Perseverance through Empowered Recovery (DAPPER) program for feasibility and acceptability. Specifically, the investigators will test the effect size of DAPPER on pain and depressive symptoms from baseline to 12 weeks (compare intervention to wait list control group) and then at 24 weeks to compare the intervention group to wait list control group once again. 2) estimate preliminary effect sizes for DAPPER in reduction pain and depressive symptoms, 3) measure effect sizes and feasibility of measuring cytokines and heart rate variability (HRV).

Interventions

BEHAVIORALDAPPER

The DAPPER program is person directed and will consist of 8 nurse visits during which the nurse assesses each participant for pain, depression and frailty and then implements a manualized individually tailored intervention. Participants will be randomized into either the intervention or the wait list control group. Once the intervention group has completed the intervention group's visits, the wait list control group will begin the waitlist control group's visits. All participants will all be offered the same information and format of nurse visits. The nurses will systematically tailor the content of the visits to the participants' risk profile and goals based on protocols. All participants will be assessed at the start of the study, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks.

Sponsors

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
CollaboratorOTHER
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
CollaboratorNIH
Johns Hopkins University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The statistician will be responsible for randomization and the investigator and study team will not have knowledge if participants are assigned to intervention group or wait list control group.

Intervention model description

The investigator will conduct subsequent single blind wait list control design to test the preliminary effects of DAPPER and the feasibility of older African American women integrating strategies to address pain, depression, and frailty that are tailored to the individual into the individual's daily routines.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Self-report pain \>3 out of a 0 -10 scale that has lasted longer than 3 months and keeps subjects from doing at least one activity that subjects would like to do * Self-Identify as African American/Black female * Live in a community dwelling * Score a 5 or higher on the PHQ-9 (depression measure) at least two times during a two week period (screening call and then at first data collection visit) * Must be pre-frail (one or two criteria on frailty phenotype) or frail (three or more of the criteria on frailty phenotype) * One ADL or IADL limitation

Exclusion criteria

* Hospitalized \> 3 times in the last year * Participating in physical therapy * Have a terminal diagnosis (\<1 year expected survival) * \> moderate intellectual impairment (5-7 errors) based on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) * Unable to speak or understand English

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)Baseline and 12 weeksThe PROMIS Intensity is used to measure pain intensity on a scale of 0-10. Higher scores indicate more pain intensity.
Depressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)Baseline and 12 weeksThe Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) includes 9 questions related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for major depression. The PHQ-9 scores range from 0-27. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Interleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)Baseline and 12 weeksAn decrease in IL 6 indicates a decrease in this inflammatory marker.
Interleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention , Post intervention 12 weeks for Intervention armA decrease indicates a decrease IL8 , which is an inflammatory marker.
Interleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)Baseline and Post intervention 12 weeks for intervention arm. Baseline for wait list control.A change in IL-1beta indicates a change in this cytokine or protein.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)Baseline and post intervention (12 weeks ) for intervention arm. Baseline only (wait list control arm)Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in saliva (pg/ml). TNF-alpha is a cytokine that signals inflammation in the body. Higher levels indicate there may be more inflammation.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Social Engagement as Assessed by the Social Network ScaleBaseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeksThe Lubben Social Network Scale -6 is used to measure social engagement including family and friends. The scores range from 0 to 60 with higher scores indicating more social engagement.
Physical Function as Assessed by the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL)BaselineThe Katz Activities of daily living (ADL) is used measure physical function through ability to perform activities of daily living. Score ranges are from 0-6 with 6 indicating full function and a score of 2 or less indicating severe functional impairment.
Change in Frailty as Assessed by the Frailty Phenotype MeasureBaseline and 12 weeksThe Frailty Phenotype measure is used to determine if a person is robust (score of 0), pre-frail (score of 1 or 2), or frail (score of 3-5). total score range of 0-5.
Change in Self Efficacy as Assessed by the Coping and Self-Efficacy ScaleBaseline and 12 weeksThe Coping and Self-Efficacy Scale is a 26 item scale used to measure coping and self efficacy. The scores on this instrument range from 0-260 with higher scores indicating more self efficacy.
Physical Function as Assessed by the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)BaselineLawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) measures instrumental activities of daily living as a measure of physical function. The scores range from 0-8 with higher scores indicating better physical function.
Frailty as Assessed by the Frail ScaleBaselineThe Frail Scale is used to measure frailty. The scores range from 0-17 with higher scores indicating more frailty.
Change in Depressive Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS 57Nurse Visit 1 and Nurse Visit 8The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS)57 the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 57, which is includes an 8-item instrument that can be used to measure self-reported negative mood, view of self, and somatic symptoms. The score range for PROMIS 57 is 8-40. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.
Stress as Assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (Intervention Group)Pre intervention, Post intervention 12 weeksThe Perceived Stress Scale assesses a person's perceived stress levels. The scores can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
Comorbid Conditions as Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity IndexBaselineThe Charlson Comorbidity Index consists of 17 categories of chronic conditions and two subcategories for diabetes and liver disease. Each comorbidity category has an associated weight (from 1 to 6), based on the adjusted risk of mortality or resource use, and the sum of all the weights results in a single comorbidity score for a patient. A score of zero indicates that no comorbidities were found. The higher the score, the more likely the predicted outcome will result in mortality or higher resource use. Up to 12 comorbidities with various weightings can result in a maximum score of 24. Score range 0-24.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Intervention Arm
The intervention group will receive the intervention for 12 weeks. The wait list control group will have outcomes measured but will not receive the intervention at this time. DAPPER: The DAPPER program is person directed and will consist of 8 nurse visits during which the nurse assesses each participant for pain, depression and frailty and then implements a manualized individually tailored intervention. Participants will be randomized into either the intervention or the wait list control group. Once the intervention group has completed the intervention group's visits, the wait list control group will begin the waitlist control group's visits. All participants will all be offered the same information and format of nurse visits. The nurses will systematically tailor the content of the visits to the participants' risk profile and goals based on protocols. All participants will be assessed at the start of the study, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
17
Wait List Control Arm
Once the intervention group has completed the intervention the wait list control group will complete the intervention. DAPPER: The DAPPER program is person directed and will consist of 8 nurse visits during which the nurse assesses each participant for pain, depression and frailty and then implements a manualized individually tailored intervention. Participants will be randomized into either the intervention or the wait list control group. Once the intervention group has completed the intervention group's visits, the wait list control group will begin the waitlist control group's visits. All participants will all be offered the same information and format of nurse visits. The nurses will systematically tailor the content of the visits to the participants' risk profile and goals based on protocols. All participants will be assessed at the start of the study, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks.
17
Total34

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicIntervention ArmTotalWait List Control Arm
Age, Continuous64.9 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11
64.8 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.5
64.6 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.3
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
17 Participants34 Participants17 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
17 Participants34 Participants17 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
17 Participants34 Participants17 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 170 / 17
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 170 / 17
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 170 / 17

Outcome results

Primary

Depressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)

The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) includes 9 questions related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for major depression. The PHQ-9 scores range from 0-27. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Population: A total of 23 participants completed the intervention. Participants who completed this measure at baseline (pre intervention) and post intervention (12 + weeks), (13 participants in the intervention group and 10 in the control group).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmDepressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)Baseline12.25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.13
Intervention ArmDepressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)12 weeks8.36 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.43
Wait List Control ArmDepressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)Baseline11.53 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.78
Wait List Control ArmDepressive Symptoms as Assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)12 weeks11.43 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.67
Primary

Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)

The PROMIS Intensity is used to measure pain intensity on a scale of 0-10. Higher scores indicate more pain intensity.

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Population: A total of 23 participants completed the intervention. Participants who completed this measure at baseline (pre intervention) and post intervention (12 + weeks), (13 participants in the intervention group and 10 in the control group).

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmPain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)Baseline6.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.18
Intervention ArmPain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)12 weeks6.64 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.8
Wait List Control ArmPain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)Baseline7.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.57
Wait List Control ArmPain Intensity as Assessed by the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)12 weeks7.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.35
Secondary

Interleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)

A change in IL-1beta indicates a change in this cytokine or protein.

Time frame: Baseline and Post intervention 12 weeks for intervention arm. Baseline for wait list control.

Population: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, not all saliva samples were collected and not all samples had sufficient saliva.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention154.7 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 90.37
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks247.47 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 379.06
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention564.35 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 571.66
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-1 Beta in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks347.73 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 357.62
Secondary

Interleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)

An decrease in IL 6 indicates a decrease in this inflammatory marker.

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Population: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, not all saliva samples were collected and not all samples had sufficient saliva.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)Baseline7.97 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 6.22
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)12 weeks5.12 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 5.31
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)Baseline8.19 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 3.66
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-6 in Saliva (pg/ml)12 weeks7.54 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 3.88
Secondary

Interleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)

A decrease indicates a decrease IL8 , which is an inflammatory marker.

Time frame: Pre intervention , Post intervention 12 weeks for Intervention arm

Population: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, not all saliva samples were collected and not all samples had sufficient saliva.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention1780.22 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 1629.85
Intervention ArmInterleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks1305.79 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 1618.97
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention2847.77 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 1583.21
Wait List Control ArmInterleukin (IL)-8 in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks1805.99 picograms/millilitreStandard Deviation 1613.66
Secondary

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in saliva (pg/ml). TNF-alpha is a cytokine that signals inflammation in the body. Higher levels indicate there may be more inflammation.

Time frame: Baseline and post intervention (12 weeks ) for intervention arm. Baseline only (wait list control arm)

Population: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic not all saliva samples were collected and there was insufficient amount of saliva for some of the samples.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention5.09 pg/mlStandard Deviation 7.57
Intervention ArmTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks3.56 pg/mlStandard Deviation 3.84
Wait List Control ArmTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)Pre intervention7.66 pg/mlStandard Deviation 4.32
Wait List Control ArmTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-Alpha in Saliva (pg/ml)Post intervention 12 weeks4.68 pg/mlStandard Deviation 2.94
Other Pre-specified

Change in Depressive Symptoms as Assessed by the PROMIS 57

The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS)57 the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 57, which is includes an 8-item instrument that can be used to measure self-reported negative mood, view of self, and somatic symptoms. The score range for PROMIS 57 is 8-40. Higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms.

Time frame: Nurse Visit 1 and Nurse Visit 8

Population: Data not collected. Investigators used the PhQ9 as the measure of depression for this study as opposed to PROMIS 57.

Other Pre-specified

Change in Frailty as Assessed by the Frailty Phenotype Measure

The Frailty Phenotype measure is used to determine if a person is robust (score of 0), pre-frail (score of 1 or 2), or frail (score of 3-5). total score range of 0-5.

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Population: Participants with data collected

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmChange in Frailty as Assessed by the Frailty Phenotype Measure3.15 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.55
Wait List Control ArmChange in Frailty as Assessed by the Frailty Phenotype Measure3.29 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.49
Other Pre-specified

Change in Self Efficacy as Assessed by the Coping and Self-Efficacy Scale

The Coping and Self-Efficacy Scale is a 26 item scale used to measure coping and self efficacy. The scores on this instrument range from 0-260 with higher scores indicating more self efficacy.

Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks

Population: Participants with data collected in the intervention group only

Other Pre-specified

Change in Social Engagement as Assessed by the Social Network Scale

The Lubben Social Network Scale -6 is used to measure social engagement including family and friends. The scores range from 0 to 60 with higher scores indicating more social engagement.

Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks

Population: This data has not been analyzed and was a potential outcome that we proposed in our protocol.

Other Pre-specified

Comorbid Conditions as Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index

The Charlson Comorbidity Index consists of 17 categories of chronic conditions and two subcategories for diabetes and liver disease. Each comorbidity category has an associated weight (from 1 to 6), based on the adjusted risk of mortality or resource use, and the sum of all the weights results in a single comorbidity score for a patient. A score of zero indicates that no comorbidities were found. The higher the score, the more likely the predicted outcome will result in mortality or higher resource use. Up to 12 comorbidities with various weightings can result in a maximum score of 24. Score range 0-24.

Time frame: Baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmComorbid Conditions as Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index3.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.9
Wait List Control ArmComorbid Conditions as Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index3.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2
Other Pre-specified

Frailty as Assessed by the Frail Scale

The Frail Scale is used to measure frailty. The scores range from 0-17 with higher scores indicating more frailty.

Time frame: Baseline

Population: We used this outcome as inclusion criteria versus a measured outcome pre and post intervention.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmFrailty as Assessed by the Frail Scale2.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.7
Wait List Control ArmFrailty as Assessed by the Frail Scale2.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
Other Pre-specified

Physical Function as Assessed by the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

The Katz Activities of daily living (ADL) is used measure physical function through ability to perform activities of daily living. Score ranges are from 0-6 with 6 indicating full function and a score of 2 or less indicating severe functional impairment.

Time frame: Baseline

Population: This was part of the inclusion criteria.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmPhysical Function as Assessed by the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL)2.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.8
Wait List Control ArmPhysical Function as Assessed by the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL)2.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.7
Other Pre-specified

Physical Function as Assessed by the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)

Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) measures instrumental activities of daily living as a measure of physical function. The scores range from 0-8 with higher scores indicating better physical function.

Time frame: Baseline

Population: This was measured as part of screening criteria to participate in the intervention.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmPhysical Function as Assessed by the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)3.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.8
Wait List Control ArmPhysical Function as Assessed by the Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)3.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.7
Other Pre-specified

Stress as Assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (Intervention Group)

The Perceived Stress Scale assesses a person's perceived stress levels. The scores can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.

Time frame: Pre intervention, Post intervention 12 weeks

Population: Participants with data collected in the intervention group only

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Intervention ArmStress as Assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (Intervention Group)Pre intervention25 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8
Intervention ArmStress as Assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (Intervention Group)Post intervention 12 weeks22.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.2

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026