This is a mixed-methods study. The quantitative component will comprise of a multicentre rater-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of AISHA in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) compared to TAU alone in Pakistan. In-depth interviews and focus groups with other stakeholders will take place to consider the wider implementation of AISHA in mental health services in Pakistan.
Mental health resources in LMICs, including Pakistan, do not match the burden of mental illness, resulting in a massive mental health treatment gap. Interventions delivered on mobile platforms (M-Health) have the potential to overcome these barriers. Evidence supports the acceptability and efficacy of interventions delivered on digital platforms for a variety of mental disorders. Mobile-based interventions have been developed to target self-harm, however, there is paucity of research supporting their efficacy in LMIC. To our knowledge there are currently no clinical trials examining the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted CBT informed problem solving intervention delivered on a digital platform for self-harm prevention.We have developed an Artificial Intelligence Self-Harm prevention Application (AISHA) to deliver an evidence-based problem solving intervention (CMAP) for people presenting with self-harm.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
312
YCMAP is a "Youth culturally adapted manual assisted psychological intervention" based on CBT principles. The therapy focuses on current problems that contributed to the self-harm episode. Therapists and adolescent clients choose from a list of techniques those which are most relevant to the client's problems. Therapy is therefore adapted to fit with the client's problems and primarily utilises problem solving, CBT, and dialectical therapy strategies to bring about change.
Benazir Bhutto Hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Civil Hospital
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation
This is a self-report measure of current suicidal ideation. Higher scores (≥6) on the scale indicate greater risk. When measured against other instruments of suicidal ideation, the convergent validity of the BSI has been demonstrated, r= 0. We have used the Urdu translated version of this instrument in prior work from Pakistan and found the Cronbach's alpha to be 0.89 (M. O. Husain et al., 2019). Higher scores indicate greater severity of suicidal ideation
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
Beck Hopelessness Scale
This is a 20-item self-report instrument designed to measure three aspects of hopelessness, feelings about the future, loss of motivation and expectations. Higher scores indicate increasing severity of hopelessness; normal (0-3), mild hopelessness (4-8), moderate hopelessness (9-14), severe hopelessness (\>14).
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
Beck Depression Inventory
This is a 21-item scale of depressive symptoms. Higher scores on the scale indicate greater severity of depression. Mild depression is indicated by scores of 14 -19; Moderate depression scores of 20 - 28 and Severe depression scores of 29-63.
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
Coping resource inventory
The CRI is a structured instrument to assess the coping resources to manage stress available to an individual. Higher scores indicate better coping skills
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
The Resilience Scale
The RS is a 25-item self-report scale that aims to assess an individual's level of resilience. This is a 7 point Likert Scale and provides a total score of resilience, ranging from 25 to 175, with higher scores indicative of higher levels of resilience.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
The Problem Solving Inventory
The PSI is a 35-item instrument that measures the individual's perceptions regarding one's problem-solving style and problem-solving abilities in the everyday life. It consists of three subscales. Higher scores indicate higher level of problem solving abilities
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
Euro-Qol Quality of Life Scale
This is an instrument which is used to measure quality of life or health profiles of participants. Higher scores indicate higher health related quality of life
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)
Client Satisfaction Questionnaire
This is an eight item self-report questionnaire used to assess participant's satisfaction with the services using a 4-point likert scale. Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction.
Time frame: Level of satisfaction with the services received at end of intervention i.e., 3-month post-randomization
Client Service Receipt Inventory
This instrument is used to collect information on the use of health services (both formal and informal sector such as physician, faith healers/Imams)
Time frame: Change in scores from baseline to 3-month follow up (end of intervention)