A sport-for-protection program reduces anxiety and depression in youth affected by displacement: A randomized controlled trial of the Game Connect program in Uganda.

Introduction: Youth affected by displacement are at risk for anxiety and depression. Supervised sport programs are a potentially effective strategy, however trials from displacement contexts are lacking.

Methods: Displaced youth and youth from host communities in five humanitarian settings across Uganda aged 15 to 24 years, and with at least mild anxiety and/or depression, were randomized to a 16-week sport-for-protection program or a wait-list control condition.