Coaching to Reduce Work Stress for Health Workers

A Character-Strengths Based Coaching Program for Rural Community Health Workers to Address Their Work Stress in India: Protocol for a Two-arm Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Templeton World Charity Foundation · NCT06013488

This study is testing if a special coaching program can help rural health workers in India feel less stressed at work compared to those who only get regular supervision.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment330 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorTempleton World Charity Foundation Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh)
Trial IDNCT06013488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a character-strengths based coaching intervention aimed at reducing work-related stress among rural health workers in India. It involves a five-day residential workshop followed by 8- to 10-week remote telephonic coaching sessions. The study compares the outcomes of participants receiving this intervention alongside routine supervision to those receiving routine supervision alone. The primary outcome is measured through self-reported wellbeing scores using the Authentic Happiness Inventory at a three-month follow-up.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are rural Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) working in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include ASHAs planning to migrate or change jobs within six months, those with urban catchment areas, or those unable to use a smartphone.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental wellbeing and reduce burnout among rural health workers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that character strengths-based interventions can effectively improve wellbeing and reduce burnout among healthcare workers, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All rural ASHAs residing and working in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh (verified in the health system records) and who have been trained by the study team on delivering community-based depression care

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASHAs who plan to migrate within six months of recruitment
* ASHAs who do not plan to continue working, or those who have resigned or planning to change jobs within six months of recruitment
* ASHAs with urban catchment areas
* ASHA supervisors will not be included owing to hierarchical differences in these two cadres and their potential effects on absorption of intervention content, and thereby on their wellbeing (primary outcome of interest)
* ASHAs who have difficulties in using a smartphone

Where this trial is running

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Study contacts

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 Work Related StressBurnout, PsychologicalMental Health Issuecharacter strengthscommunity health workerswork stressIndiarandomized controlled trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.