Improving mental health treatment for adolescents in Pakistani schools
School based stepped care TrEatment for adolescent depression in Pakistan- a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART-STEP)
['FUNDING_R01'] · SHIFA TAMEER-E-MILLAT UNIVERSITY · NIH-10881908
This study is working to improve mental health support for teenagers in Pakistan by training teachers and using a helpful chatbot to guide students in managing their feelings, especially if they're dealing with depression or anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SHIFA TAMEER-E-MILLAT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10881908 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance mental health support for adolescents in Pakistan by implementing a school-based stepped care treatment program for depression and anxiety. It involves training teachers through an online program and utilizing a self-help chatbot based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist students in managing their mental health. The project seeks to address the significant prevalence of emotional problems among school-going adolescents in Pakistan, where traditional mental health services are lacking. By integrating these innovative interventions into schools, the research hopes to create a sustainable model for mental health care in low-resource settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-18 years attending public schools in Pakistan who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12-18 or those not enrolled in public schools in Pakistan may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide accessible mental health support to adolescents, significantly improving their emotional well-being and academic performance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in implementing school-based mental health programs in various countries, indicating the potential effectiveness of this approach in Pakistan.
Where this research is happening
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
- SHIFA TAMEER-E-MILLAT UNIVERSITY — ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAMDANI, SYED USMAN — SHIFA TAMEER-E-MILLAT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HAMDANI, SYED USMAN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.