Video-based self-help intervention for anxiety and depression in low literacy individuals

Feasibility and Acceptability Trial of a Video Based CBT Guided Self Help Intervention for People With no or Low Literacy: A Study From a Lower Middle-income Country.

NA · Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists · NCT05986747

This study is testing a video-based self-help program for anxiety and depression to see if it helps people with low literacy in Pakistan feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment14 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorPakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists (other)
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab)
Trial IDNCT05986747 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a video-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) guided self-help intervention called 'Khushi or Khatoon' aimed at treating anxiety and depression among individuals with low literacy in Pakistan. The intervention is designed for those who may struggle with traditional CBT due to literacy barriers, utilizing video content to deliver therapeutic techniques. The study will be conducted as a rater-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess both the preliminary effectiveness and user acceptance of this innovative approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 to 65 years who have no formal schooling but can use a smartphone and have access to the internet.

Not a fit: Patients with substance use disorders, significant cognitive impairments, or active psychosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide accessible mental health support to individuals with low literacy, improving their mental health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar video-based CBT interventions have shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach tailored for low literacy populations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals aged 18 to 65 years
2. without schooling
3. able to use a smartphone
4. Owning a smartphone or a personal computer with a reliable internet connection
5. Score of 8 or higher on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression or Anxiety Scales

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Substance use disorder according to DSM-5 criteria as determined by primary care clinician
2. Significant cognitive impairment (for example, profound learning disability or dementia) as determined by primary care clinician
3. Active psychosis as determined by their primary care clinician

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab

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: Depression, Anxiety, CBT, Self-help intervention, anxiety, depression, RCT

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.