Estimating the effectiveness of nurse led community mental health outreach program on health-related quality of life of elderly at community areas, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh: a mixed methods approach

Background: India’s ageing population faces rising health issues and reduced family support, with old-age homes being culturally less accepted. The nurse led community mental health outreach program (NL-CoMHOP) uses social prescribing to provide affordable, community-based care. Managed by nurses, it improves health, quality of life (QoL), and reduces loneliness for elderly living at home, while easing family burden. This study will evaluate NL-CoMHOP’s effectiveness and estimates its costs, aligning with National Mental Health Program’s (NMHPs) vision. Methods: This mixed-methods study (QUAN+qual) adopts an open-label randomized controlled trial with concurrent triangulation in community areas of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Eligible elderly (≥60 years, residents ≥5 years) will be randomly recruited, excluding those needing emergency care or with acute psychosis. Total 162 participants will be enrolled. Over 6 months, the NL-CoMHOP will deliver individualized physical, psychological, social, and spiritual activities using local resources. Conclusions: The NL-CoMHOP, a newer concept and an intermediary solution for the elderly to improve their health-related QoL (HRQoL). Trial registration: CTRI/2025/06/089067 dated 18/06/2025 under clinical trials registry-India.