Effectiveness of The Step Up Wellness Program for People With Depression

This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the Step Up Wellness Program among people with depression who also are physically inactive and smoke cigarettes.

Participation in this study will last 6 months. All participants will complete a baseline survey and then be assigned randomly to receive the Step Up Wellness Program or usual care for 3 months. Participants in the Step Up program will receive weekly phone calls from a study health coach. During these calls, the coach will discuss ways to improve and manage mood, increase physical activity, and prepare to quit smoking. Participants will also be given materials to review and homework assignments between calls. Participants in the usual care group will receive standard care which includes referrals for treatment of depression and nicotine dependence, as well as self-help information on physical activity. All participants will be surveyed at 4 and 6 months post-enrollment. Participants will also provide qualitative feedback on the program.

Inclusion criteria

• Member of Group Health insurance plan
• Aged 18 to 75
• Experiencing at least moderate depressive symptoms
• Low physical activity defined as failure to meet Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for weekly activity OR low to moderate physical activity as assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
• Current smoker
• Has a phone
• Able to read and speak in English
• No mobility or physical impairments that would prevent engaging in moderate physical activity
• Without a hearing impairment that would prevent participation with the phone-based counseling or assessments

Exclusion criteria

• Self-report of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Currently receiving specialty mental health care or smoking cessation treatment
• If on an antidepressant, has been taking it less than 30 days