Three-agent chat app for lonely older adults in Hong Kong

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized study, 72 Cantonese-speaking adults aged 60+ living in the community in Hong Kong with at least moderate loneliness will use a smartphone-based conversational app. Participants are randomized to receive either a hybrid arm with a language-model–generated assistant (plus memory, tone customization, reminiscence prompts, and model-created life-story chapters) or a built-in rule-based arm with the same interface and features minus the model-dependent capabilities. Both arms share the same visual design, three named companions, tools, and assessment prompts, isolating the effect of the language-model backend and related features. The study aims to determine whether the language-model–driven interactions provide added benefit over the template-based approach while controlling for interface richness and engagement. Outcomes focus on changes in loneliness and related well-being metrics collected through in-app assessments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 60 years or above
* Self-identified Cantonese as primary language of communication
* Community-dwelling in Hong Kong (not in residential care)
* De Jong Gierveld Emotional and Social Loneliness Scale total score of 2 or above at screening, indicating at least moderate loneliness
* owns a smartphone on which the study app can be installed
* Able to demonstrate understanding of the study using the teach-back method
* Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute suicidality, defined as a PHQ-9 item 9 score above 1 with reported active intent
* Currently receiving formal psychiatric treatment
* Severe hearing or visual impairment precluding application use even with accommodation
* Self-reported diagnosis of dementia or significant cognitive impairment
* Unable to demonstrate understanding of the study using the teach-back method
* Prior participation in the pilot runs of this trial
* Another member of the same household has already registered for the study

Where it's running

• The University of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Junyu Zhao — The University of Hong Kong
• Study coordinator: Junyu Zhao
• Email: zhaojyxs@connect.hku.hk
• Phone: 852-60919592

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.