Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 18 to 65

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

Official title: 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.

Run by Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists · NCT05986747 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

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

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

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably not a fit

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

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

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapists
    Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.