Brief culturally adapted behavioral activation for adults with depression in primary care

Pilot Study Assessing Acceptability, Feasibility, and Appropriateness of Brief Culturally Adapted Behavioral Activation for Adults With Depression in Primary Care Setting

Not applicable Interventional Gadjah Mada University · NCT07120893

This pilot will try three short, culturally adapted behavioral activation sessions delivered by a primary care psychologist to see if they help adults with depression who attend a local health center.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorGadjah Mada University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta)
Trial IDNCT07120893 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-arm pilot uses a mixed-methods design to test a brief, culturally adapted behavioral activation intervention delivered in primary care. Participants receive three individual sessions with a primary care psychologist and complete standardized questionnaires before and after the intervention. After treatment, participants and the psychologist take part in semi-structured interviews about acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. Changes in depressive symptoms and quality of life are examined as secondary outcomes and the findings will inform revisions to the intervention manual before a larger trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with depression who score 10 or higher on the PHQ-9, can give informed consent, and can attend the primary healthcare center in Sleman are the intended participants.

Not a fit: People with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or substance abuse disorders (who are excluded) and those with PHQ-9 scores below 10 are unlikely to be appropriate candidates or to benefit from this pilot.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life using a short, culturally relevant treatment delivered in primary care.

How similar studies have performed: Behavioral activation is an established effective treatment for depression and culturally adapted or brief BA programs have shown promise, but brief culturally adapted BA specifically delivered in primary care has limited prior testing.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* scored 10 or above on PHQ-9
* provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* having diagnosed of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or substance abuse disorders

Where this trial is running

Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression in Adultsculturally adapted behavioral activationdepressive disorderprimary carepilot study
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.