A Health Apps for Post-Pandemic Years for People With Physiological and Psychosocial Distress

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jul 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new mobile health app called HAPPY, designed to help people who are struggling with stress and emotional distress in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers believe that many individuals may continue to experience physical and psychological challenges due to the pandemic, and they want to see if this app can provide effective support. The study will involve 814 participants aged 18 and older who are experiencing symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, or pain. To qualify, participants need to score above certain thresholds on assessments that measure these issues.

Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to either use the HAPPY app for 24 weeks or to join a waitlist group that will start the app later. Those using the app will receive guidance on coping strategies like physical activity, mindfulness, and energy conservation, all aimed at improving their overall well-being. Throughout the study, researchers will track participants' health and activity levels using wearable devices. By the end of the trial, they hope to find out whether those using the app feel better and are better able to manage their stress compared to those who waited. If you or someone you know is dealing with these issues and has access to the internet and a smartphone, this study may be a valuable opportunity to gain support for post-pandemic challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18 and older;
• * Exhibiting physiological and/or psychosocial distress:
• • A cutoff value of ≥ 20 in the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) will be used to indicate participants with psychological distress.
• • A cutoff value of ≥ 4 on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) indicate participants with physical fatigue;
• • A cutoff value of \> 5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) indicate participants with decreased sleep quality;
• • A cutoff value of \> 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS) indicates participants with pain, including headaches, upset stomach, and other forms of pain
• • Has access to the Internet and a smart phone
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with any health conditions that could hamper participation in the Health Apps for Post-Pandemic Years (HAPPY), such as severe cognitive, visual, or hearing impairments.