Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of OkeyMind for Social Anxiety Among Youth

Официальное название

Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of a Mobile Psychoeducation Program (OkeyMind) for Social Anxiety Among Youth: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Обзор

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a mobile-based psychoeducation program (OkeyMind) in mitigating symptoms associated with social anxiety among youth. Participants will be recruited and screened onsite and then randomized to the intervention group and the waiting list control group. The intervention group will receive a one-month mobile psychoeducation program (OkeyMind), which includes both psychoeducation and meditation components, with all content fully automated. The waiting list control group will receive the same intervention after 3 months. Participants will be followed up at three time-points: baseline, 1 month, and 3 months Results: The investigators will recruit 180 participants, with 90 in each group. The primary effectiveness outcomes are the scores of SPIN and PHQ-9, and the cost-effectiveness outcomes is measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L). This research evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of OkeyMind, a mobile-based psychoeducation program for youth with social anxiety. OkeyMind might be a promising strategy for combating social anxiety, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited medical resources. By leveraging mobile technology, it aims to provide accessible, cost-effective mental health support, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

Подробное описание

Background: Social anxiety is increasingly prevalent among youths, leading to social withdrawal and isolation, which heighten depression risk. eHealth interventions have shown promise in improving access and engagement, offering anonymity, broader accessibility, and personalized treatment features. However, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of eHealth methods for young individuals dealing with social anxiety-driven depression remain unexplored.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a mobile-based psychoeducation program (OkeyMind) in mitigating symptoms associated with social anxiety among youth.

Methods: Participants will be recruited and screened onsite and then randomized to the intervention group and the waiting list control group. Eligible participants are youths aged 18 to 25 years with moderate or above depression \[Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)\>9), mild or above social phobia \[Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN)\>19\], and a smartphone with WeChat installed. The intervention group will receive a one-month mobile psychoeducation program (OkeyMind), which includes both psychoeducation and meditation components, with all content fully automated. The waiting list control group will receive the same intervention after 3 months. Participants will be followed up at three time-points: baseline, 1 month, and 3 months Results: The investigators will recruit 180 participants, with 90 in each group. The primary effectiveness outcomes are the scores of SPIN and PHQ-9, and the cost-effectiveness outcomes is measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L). Participant recruitment will begin before January 2025. The first follow-up assessment will conclude by May 2025, and data analysis will be finalized by early 2026. Results will be expected around May 2026.

Conclusions: This research evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of OkeyMind, a mobile-based psychoeducation program for youth with social anxiety. OkeyMind might be a promising strategy for combating social anxiety, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited medical resources. By leveraging mobile technology, it aims to provide accessible, cost-effective mental health support, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

Вмешательства

• Поведенческое OkeyMind intervention
  The intervention group will receive a one-month mobile psychoeducation program (OkeyMind), which includes both psychoeducation and meditation components, with all content fully automated.
• Поведенческое Wait-list control
  Participants in the waiting list control group will withhold access to the OkeyMind intervention until after the 3-month follow-up assessment.

Первичные конечные точки

• Social Phobia Inventory [Срок оценки: 3 months]
• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [Срок оценки: 3 months]

Вторичные конечные точки (1)

• EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) [Срок оценки: 3 months]

Критерии участия

Критерии включения

• youths aged between 15 and 24 years old;
• exhibiting mild or above social phobia (i.e. Social Phobia Inventory score ≥ 25);
• having a smartphone with WeChat installed and basic internet literacy

Критерии исключения

• unable to attempt a baseline assessment (e.g., due to being unpermitted to leave a psychiatric ward);
• currently receiving another intensive psychological intervention;
• currently holding active suicidal plan;
• currently diagnosed with psychological disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.).

Критерии приведены из реестра в оригинале (на английском). Окончательную оценку соответствия проводит исследовательский центр.

Здоровые добровольцы: Да

Дизайн исследования

Распределение

Рандомизированное

Модель

Параллельные группы

Маскирование

Простое слепое

Основная цель

Лечение

Центры проведения

Гонконг · 1 центр

• Hong Kong Shue Yan University — Гонконг

Публикации

• Wang YZ, Zhou DR, Ng SM, Wang BB, Feng YY, Weng X. Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Mobile Psychoeducation Program (OkeyMind) for Social Anxiety Symptoms Among Youths: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Jul 14;14:e64518. doi: 10.2196/64518. PMID 40658950

Идентификаторы

NCT: NCT06490315 · OkeyMind intervention

Первоисточники (государственные реестры)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH, США)

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