Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Prosocial-orientated Acceptance and Commitment Training (PACT) Programme for Parents of Children With Special Health Care Needs in Response to Outbreaks of Novel Infectious Disease: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-08-13
196
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lead Sponsor
H
Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a 12-week, smartphone-based Prosocial-orientated Acceptance and Commitment Training (PACT) programme combined with age-appropriate positive parenting advice for parents of children with special health care needs (SHCN). The study aims to improve psychological flexibility, prosocial behavior, parenting competence, family functioning, and the mental well-being of both parents and their children over a 12-month follow-up period. This randomised controlled trial includes 196 Cantonese-speaking parents or caregivers of preschool and school-age children with SHCN. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The PACT group receives six online modules plus four group video conferencing sessions focused on Acceptance and Commitment Training with parenting advice, delivered via a mobile app over 12 weeks. The control group receives the same number of online modules and video sessions covering daily parenting challenges and positive parenting advice without the ACT-related content. Both groups engage in these activities guided by trained facilitators. Throughout the study, researchers assess parental and child mental well-being at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Evaluations include validated questionnaires measuring psychological flexibility, prosociality, parenting competence, and family functioning. The study monitors changes over time to determine the programme's impact on mental health and family dynamics. The total participation spans the 12-week intervention plus follow-up assessments up to one year.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
PACT Programme for Parents of Children With SHCN
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents
- Living together with a child aged 3 to 8 years
- Caregivers who have adopted responsibility for the child's care
- Have daily access to an iPhone or Android smartphone
- Child must have physical, neurodevelopmental, or emotional problems lasting at least 12 months as indicated by the Children with Special Health Care Needs Screener
You will not qualify if you...
- Parents diagnosed with severe mental illness
- Parents with developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants complete a 12-week, smartphone-based Prosocial-orientated Acceptance and Commitment Training (PACT) programme or positive parenting advice through online modules and group video sessions.
6 online modules and 4 group-based video conferencing sessions over 12 weeks
Duration - 12 months
Participants are followed up at immediate, 3, 6, and 12 months after completing the programme to assess mental well-being, psychological flexibility, prosociality, parenting competence, and family functioning.
4 follow-up assessments at immediate, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Department of Surgery, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
2
Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Completed
Research Team
Y
Yuen Yu Chong, PhD
W
Wing Suet Hung
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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