Actively Recruiting
Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low-Resource Settings
Led by George Washington University · Updated on 2025-06-25
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
G
George Washington University
Lead Sponsor
T
Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the acceptability and clinical effectiveness of the StandStrong intervention, a digital, non-specialist mental health program for mothers with postpartum depression in Nepal. The study compares this technology-informed approach with a standard non-specialist intervention to optimize psychosocial care in low- and middle-income country settings, where untreated postpartum depression poses significant risks to mothers and their children. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group receives the StandStrong intervention, which uses passive sensing technology like smartphones and GPS beacons to collect data on maternal and infant activity, analyzed by machine learning and shared with trained helpers to tailor sessions. The comparator group receives the standard Problem Management Plus (PM+) intervention without passive sensing data. Both groups undergo five in-person sessions with trained non-specialist providers using cognitive behavioral strategies. During the study, participants will be assessed on depression severity using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and other measures like anxiety and disability at 20 weeks after baseline. Researchers will monitor symptom changes, quality of life, and intervention acceptability. Participation involves regular sessions with helpers, data collection through technology for the experimental group, and ongoing evaluation of mental health outcomes and intervention delivery up to 20 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low-Resource Settings
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Mother aged between 15 and 39 years
- Infant is within the first 1000 days of life
- Mother has a PHQ-9 depression score of 8 or higher
- Access to a technology charging method at home
- Will remain in the study area for at least 6 months after enrollment
You will not qualify if you...
- Mother has a PHQ-9 depression score less than 8
- Mother and infant live in different permanent residences at recruitment
- Acute medical needs or hospitalization of mother or infant at recruitment
- Presence of psychotic symptoms at recruitment as indicated by the Community Informant Detection Tool
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)
Duration - Duration of the five intervention sessions
Participants undergo five in-person intervention sessions with trained non-specialist providers delivering the Problem Management Plus (PM+) behavioral program. Depending on the assigned group, the intervention may be informed by passive sensing data collected via smartphone and GPS beacon or delivered in the standard manner without sensing data integration.
5 in-person visits
Duration - Up to 20 weeks following baseline assessment
Participants are assessed for outcomes related to depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and disability at 20 weeks following the baseline assessment.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal, 44600
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brandon A Kohrt, MD PhD
S
Sauharda Rai, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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