A smartphone mental health program for people with schizophrenia in West Africa
Preliminary Efficacy of an mHealth Intervention in West Africa
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Accra) |
| Trial ID | NCT07276321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorder 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 this trial is running
Accra
- Accra Psychiatric Hospital — Accra, Ghana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dror Ben-Zeev, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Alexa Beaulieu
- Email: beaulia@uw.edu
- Phone: 253 261-8661
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.