Health apps to help people cope with post-pandemic stress

A Health Apps for Post-Pandemic Years (HAPPY) for People With Physiological and Psychosocial Distress During the Post-Pandemic Era

NA · The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT05459896

This study is testing a new health app that helps people deal with stress and other issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through activities like exercise and mindfulness.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment814 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05459896 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate a health app designed to address physiological and psychological distress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It will utilize mobile technology to provide interventions such as physical activity training, mindfulness-based techniques, and energy conservation strategies. Participants will be assessed for their distress levels using standardized scales, and the app will offer tailored support to improve their health behaviors and overall well-being. The goal is to create a systematic approach to managing post-pandemic health challenges through digital means.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older experiencing physiological and/or psychosocial distress related to the pandemic.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive, visual, or hearing impairments may not benefit from this study due to the nature of the interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental and physical health of individuals affected by COVID-19-related stress.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions to address mental health issues, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 and older;
* Exhibiting physiological and/or psychosocial distress:
* A cutoff value of ≥ 20 in the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) will be used to indicate participants with psychological distress.
* A cutoff value of ≥ 4 on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) indicate participants with physical fatigue;
* A cutoff value of \> 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) indicate participants with decreased sleep quality;
* A cutoff value of \> 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) indicates participants with pain, including headaches, upset stomach, and other forms of pain
* Has access to the Internet and a smart phone

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with any health conditions that could hamper participation in the Health Apps for Post-Pandemic Years (HAPPY), such as severe cognitive, visual, or hearing impairments.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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: Physiological Stress, Psychological Distress, COVID-19 Stress Syndrome, Smart Health, COVID-19, Psychosocial distress, Intervention, Physical Activity

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.