Mobile health intervention for children with behavior problems

Reach and Scalability of Digital Therapeutics for Childhood Behavior Problems

NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT05647772

This study is testing a mobile app to see if it can help children aged 5-8 with behavior problems, with some families getting extra support from a coach.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment324 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 8 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh (other)
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05647772 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) system designed to address disruptive behaviors in children aged 5-8. Families will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a standalone app, a coach-assisted app, or a control app. The study will assess the engagement and effectiveness of the mHealth system over a four-month period, with follow-up assessments conducted online. The intervention includes training for parents to use the app and support from a paraprofessional coach for those in the coach-assisted group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5-8 who exhibit significant oppositional defiant or conduct disorder behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with preexisting behavioral or mental health diagnoses requiring alternative treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide an accessible and effective tool for parents to manage their children's disruptive behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions for behavioral issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males or females between the ages of 5-8 years
* Above the 90th percentile for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and/or conduct disorders (CD) on the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
* Residence with at least one parent/guardian at least 80% of the time
* Parent/legal guardian consent for participation
* Parent/guardian must have a smartphone device with daily internet access

Exclusion Criteria:

* A known preexisting behavioral or mental health diagnosis requiring alternative treatment (bipolar disorder, major depression, pervasive developmental disorder)
* Currently in treatment for childhood disruptive behavior

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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: Problem Behavior, Child Behavior, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Childhood Behavioral Disorders, Mobile Health

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.