Evaluating how questionnaire context affects depression reporting in systemic sclerosis patients

Evaluating the Effect of Questionnaire Context on the Reporting of Somatic Items in the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire Among People with Systemic Sclerosis: a Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Study

NA · Lady Davis Institute · NCT06772896

This study tests how the way questions are asked affects how people with systemic sclerosis report their depression symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment798 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLady Davis Institute (other)
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06772896 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how the context in which somatic symptoms are assessed influences the reporting of depression in individuals with systemic sclerosis. Participants will complete the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) in different contexts to determine if their responses to somatic items vary based on awareness of being evaluated for depressive symptoms. The study aims to clarify whether the ordering of questions impacts the reporting of symptoms that overlap with both depression and chronic illness. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to improve the accuracy of depression assessments in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic sclerosis who can provide informed consent and are fluent in English, French, or Spanish.

Not a fit: Patients without systemic sclerosis or those unable to complete the questionnaire due to language barriers or lack of internet access may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate depression assessments for patients with systemic sclerosis, improving their overall care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that the context of questionnaire items does not significantly affect total depression scores, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* SPIN Cohort patients must have a systemic sclerosis (SSc) diagnosis based on 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria confirmed by a SPIN physician, be ≥18 years old, be able to give informed consent, and be fluent in English, French or Spanish.
* Participants must have access to a computer or tablet with internet access.

Exclusion Criteria:

* None.

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis, Depression, Patient-reported outcome measure, PROM, Item order

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.