A smartphone mental health program for people with schizophrenia in West Africa
Official title: Preliminary Efficacy of an mHealth Intervention in West Africa
Run by University of Washington · NCT07276321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether two smartphone programs (FOCUS and a Ghana-adapted G-FOCUS) help outpatients with schizophrenia at Accra Psychiatric Hospital manage symptoms and daily life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Accra) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07276321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with a diagnosed schizophrenic spectrum disorder who speak English, receive outpatient care at Accra Psychiatric Hospital, and own a smartphone that can run apps are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who do not speak English, lack a compatible smartphone, have significant hearing/vision/motor or intellectual impairments that limit participation, or are not receiving outpatient care at the hospital may not receive benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a pilot feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial of a digital mHealth intervention delivered to outpatients at Accra Psychiatric Hospital. Participants who meet eligibility will be randomized to one of three groups: treatment as usual, the FOCUS smartphone program, or a culturally adapted G-FOCUS smartphone program. The trial will measure whether the digital programs are usable, acceptable, and show early signs of benefit for symptom management and functioning. Enrollment requires English proficiency and ownership of a smartphone capable of running the app.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could expand access to self-management support and improve symptom control and daily functioning through widely available smartphones.
How similar studies have gone: Mobile health programs like FOCUS have shown promising results for serious mental illness in other settings, but culturally adapted versions such as G-FOCUS are relatively untested in West Africa.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 18 years of age or older 2. Speaks English 3. Outpatient receiving care at Accra Psychiatric Hospital 4. Diagnosis of psychosis and are currently symptomatic as assessed by administering the psychosis section of the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) 5. Owns a mobile device capable of downloading smartphone applications Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hearing, vision, or motor impairment that would hamper their ability to participate in data collection 2. Serious intellectual or developmental disability that would hamper their ability to participate in data collection
Where it's running
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Accra Psychiatric Hospital
Accra, Ghana Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dror Ben-Zeev, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Shalynn Howard
- Email: shahow@uw.edu
- Phone: 253 261-8661
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.