Evaluation of a Chatbot-Delivered Structured Psychological Intervention for Teenagers With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Nov 19, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) improve their mental health using a chatbot. AIS is a common spine condition that can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression among affected teens. The study aims to see if a chatbot that provides structured psychological support, based on proven strategies, can effectively help these teenagers manage their feelings and improve their overall well-being.

To participate, teenagers aged 10 to 18 who are receiving non-surgical treatment for AIS and show mild to moderate signs of anxiety or depression may be eligible. Participants will be randomly placed in either the group that uses the chatbot for eight weeks or a control group that chats casually with another type of bot. Throughout the study, researchers will gather feedback to understand how well the chatbot intervention works and how the teens feel about it. It's important to note that this trial is not yet recruiting participants, and those interested must have a smartphone and be comfortable using it.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have a Cobb angle (a standard method for measuring spinal curvature) greater than 10 degrees;
• • Exhibit mild to moderate levels of depression, anxiety, or stress (scoring between 7-13 on the depression subscale, 6-12 on the anxiety subscale, or 12-16 on the stress subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales for Youth);
• • Be aged between 10 and 18;
• • Be proficient in Cantonese and traditional Chinese character reading;
• • Own a smartphone and being adept at using it.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or serious physical diseases;
• • Are currently undergoing other psychological interventions;
• • Are on a surgery waiting list or in the perioperative period (from seven days before to seven days after surgery);
• • Are unable to provide consent for study participation;
• • Exhibit self-harm or suicidal tendencies (scoring \> 0 on the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9: "Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way").