Evaluating the Feasibility of a School-based Stepped Care Program for Internalizing Symptoms in Adolescents in Pakistan (SMART-STEP)

Global Institute of Human Development

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Psychosocial Problem; Depression, Anxiety; Functioning, Psychosocial; Distress, Emotional

Treatments: Behavioral: Enhanced School Mental Health Program (eSMHP)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT06881342

R01MH131025-03 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

GIHD/Trials/2024/01

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to explore effective ways to reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents through two school-based interventions. This study examines whether the Enhanced School Mental Health Program (eSMHP) Plus, delivered by teachers and non-specialists, can serve as a first-line intervention to reduce psychosocial distress-an intermediate outcome that must be addressed to lower the risk of depression (primary outcome) in adolescents. For those who do not respond to eSMHP Plus, the study investigates if a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based guided self-help app could be an effective step-up or second-level intervention. Researchers will assess the feasibility and acceptability of these approaches among 200 adolescents (aged 13-15) from 8 public schools in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Findings will guide future large-scale studies and strategies for personalised mental health care for adolescents in low-resource settings.

Full description

Background:

Internalizing symptoms among adolescents can have long-term devastating impacts on their lives unless they are identified and treated early and effectively. Both universal and indicated school-based interventions are recommended to address internalizing symptoms among adolescents. However, determining the optimal timing and dosage of these interventions remains a crucial question for effective adolescent mental healthcare. The investigators will conduct a pilot Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Controlled Trial (SMART) to explore the feasibility and acceptability of two evidence-informed intervention strategies (universal and indicated interventions) within the stepped care model, compare their timing and dosage, and determine in which sequence these interventions should be delivered to whom. This study aims to answer the question, "What works, for whom, under what conditions, and why, for internalizing symptoms in adolescents with a focus on depressive symptoms?"

Methods:

A 20-week single-blind pilot cluster SMART study will be conducted in 8 public schools in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to assess the feasibility and acceptability of 2 intervention strategies (i.e., 1. teachers plus non-specialist delivered universal intervention called Enhanced School Mental Health Program [eSMHP] Plus and 2. Guided self-help application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-based indicated intervention to reduce depression (internalising symptoms) in adolescents. The study participants will be approximately 200 adolescents, aged 13-15 of both sexes, with psychosocial distress. Data on the feasibility and acceptability of the study design, views about augmented intervention options and procedures, and treatment response rates will be collected. Results from the pilot study will yield additional research questions and will improve our ability to successfully conduct the definitive SMART to inform personalised interventions for internalising symptoms in adolescents.

Discussion: The findings of the study will be used to inform the design of a subsequent fully powered, definitive SMART study in Pakistan.

Enrollment: 137 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 13 to 15 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Adolescents aged 13-15 years, studying in grades 7 and 8 of participating schools, provide assent and parental consent for participation in the study and screen positive for psychosocial distress on youth reported PSC (total score ≥ 28).

Exclusion criteria

1. Adolescents who require immediate in-patient (medical and/or psychiatric) care
2. Adolescents with acute protection risks as assessed by a researcher applying the definitions in the WHO mhGAP intervention guide.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Sequential Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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137 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention arm - Enhanced School Mental Health Program (eSMHP) Plus

Experimental group

Description:

The first-stage intervention, eSMHP Plus, is delivered by teachers and non-specialists in classrooms. eSMHP enhances mental health literacy, training providers in early identification, counseling, life skills, positive discipline, parental engagement, referrals, and teacher well-being. Teachers follow a lesson plan, supported by non-specialists through biweekly school visits. Non-specialists co-deliver activities and supervise teachers to address challenges and promote well-being. At six weeks, adolescents scoring ≥28 on PSC are re-randomized to continue eSMHP Plus or receive a step-up, CBT-based guided self-help app for two months. The app, accessible via tablet/mobile, is based on empirically supported strategies.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Enhanced School Mental Health Program (eSMHP)

Enhanced Treatment-as-usual

Active Comparator group

Description:

The first-stage intervention in the control arm, eSMHP, is delivered by teachers only. Teachers in ETAU complete online training (www.learnwithshine.org) to enhance mental health literacy, learning to identify socioemotional issues and provide basic psychosocial support through counseling skills, life skills, positive discipline, parental engagement, and referrals. A dedicated module promotes teacher well-being. At six weeks, adolescents scoring ≥28 on PSC are re-randomized to continue eSMHP or receive a step-up, CBT-based guided self-help app for two months. The app, accessible via tablet/mobile, is based on empirically supported strategies and offers comprehensive features for adolescents.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Enhanced School Mental Health Program (eSMHP)