Culturally adapted therapy for women with suicidal thoughts after childbirth in Pakistan

Culturally Adapted Manual-Assisted Problem-Solving Intervention for Women With Suicidal Ideation in Postnatal Period in Pakistan: A Feasibility Trial

Not applicable Interventional Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning · NCT05852314

This study tests a new therapy designed for new mothers in Pakistan to see if it can help reduce suicidal thoughts after childbirth.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 44 Years
SexFemale
SponsorPakistan Institute of Living and Learning Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT05852314 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted intervention called CMAP-SI for women experiencing suicidal ideation during the postnatal period. The intervention is designed to address the high prevalence of suicidal thoughts among new mothers in Pakistan, where rates can reach up to 14%. The study will involve adapting existing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to fit the cultural context and will evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in reducing suicidal thoughts. Participants will share their experiences with the CMAP-SI intervention to further inform its development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are mothers aged 16 to 44 with children aged 0 to 30 months who are experiencing suicidal ideation.

Not a fit: Patients with severe physical or psychiatric conditions that prevent participation in the study will not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts among new mothers, improving mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with culturally adapted interventions for mental health issues, suggesting potential for this approach in similar contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 16 to 44-year-old mothers with children 0 - 30 months old
2. Residents of the trial site catchments area
3. Able to provide informed consent
4. Presenting with suicidal ideation as measured by the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSSI) (must score 1 or 2 on item 4 and 5)
5. Not requiring in-patient psychiatric treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

We will exclude mothers with any physical or psychiatric condition severe enough to prevent study participation.

Where this trial is running

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province

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 Postnatal DepressionSuicidal IdeationLMICsCMAP
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.