Oh Happy Day Class–Digital Connections
The Oh Happy Day Class–Digital Connections (OHDC–DC) app is designed for African American adults experiencing clinical depression (CD). The app includes 13 treatment modules focused on culturally relevant strategies to increase understanding of depression and promote healthy coping behaviors. These modules aim to reduce symptoms of clinical depression and improve health outcomes.
We are currently conducting a research study to see if people who use the OHDC–DC app show improvement in their depressive symptoms compared to those who do not use the app. Participants who choose to enroll will be asked to download the app to their mobile device and complete the 13 self-guided modules. Participants may also choose to attend online group sessions with fellow participants, led by a certified mental health clinician. Participants will also complete questionnaires and take part in an interview about their experience using the app.
Clinical depression is also known as major depressive disorder. It is a significant public health concern and is quickly approaching the status of a global public health crisis. CD is one of the most common, costly, and debilitating psychiatric disorders in the U.S. (González et al. 2010). The World Health Organization identifies it as a leading cause of disability. CD is associated with higher rates of chronic disease and impaired functioning (Global Burden of Disease Study 2017).
The societal costs of CD include lower educational attainment, negative impact on work performance, which then negatively impacts financial success, and high comorbidity with chronic physical disorders, including arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes (Kessler 2012).
Oh Happy Day Class–Digital Connections app was developed by licensed psychologist Dr. Earlise Ward in collaboration with Justin Janisch of the UW–Madison Division of Information Technology.
About OHDC-DC
Oh Happy Day Class–Digital Connections (OHDC–DC) has five core elements:
- Weekly 90-minute cognitive behavioral psycho-education classes over a 6-week period.
- The classes are offered and facilitated online in the OHDC–DC app.
- Participants are encouraged to stay engaged between classes by connecting digitally on the app with the class content. They receive app-based reminders and messages from staff and participants to stay digitally connected and engaged.
- There is an emphasis on educating participants about depression, increasing healthy coping behaviors, and raising awareness of mental illness with the goal of normalizing it and reducing stigma.
- The intervention is delivered by a licensed mental health clinician, for those who choose this option. The intervention is also available in a self-guided format.
Contact Woodie Magaka if you are interested in participating in this research study
Woodie Mogaka
ohd@fammed.wisc.edu
608-262-7917
Avoid sending sensitive, detailed personal information by email. Email is generally not a secure way to communicate sensitive or health-related information.
Privacy Policy
The Oh Happy Day Class–Digital Connections (OHDC–DC) app has been developed by the University of Wisconsin–Madison for use by participants enrolled in a research study approved by the UW–Madison Institutional Review Board (IRB). We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable laws, including HIPAA and UW–Madison privacy standards.
Information We Collect
- The app collects survey responses and engagement data linked to your study ID (a unique identifier generated for this study).
- The key linking your name to your study ID is not stored in the app.
- No personally identifiable information is stored in the app.
How We Use Your Information
- Survey data will be securely transmitted to UW–Madison servers and deleted from the app after transfer.
- Data is encrypted during transmission and stored on secure UW–Madison systems.
- Your study ID remains in the app to allow linking future sessions.
- Data will be used only for research purposes as described in your informed consent.
Disclosure of your Information
- Your data will not be shared outside the research team except as required by law or as described in the informed consent.
- No third-party services are used for data collection or analytics.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically. Updates will be posted in the app and are effective immediately upon posting.
If This is an Emergency
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or dial 911.
Terms of Use
The OHDC–DC app is provided by UW–Madison and may only be used by participants enrolled in the research study. By using the app, you agree to:
- Use the app solely for study-related purposes.
- Not share your login credentials with anyone.
- Report any technical issues or concerns to the study team.
Violation of these terms may result in removal from the study.
For questions or concerns, contact ohd@fammed.wisc.edu or call 608-262-7917.