Chatbot-based Assistant to Improve Problem-solving Skills in Parents of Children With ASD

NCT ID: NCT06723301

Last Updated: 2024-12-17

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 20 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-12-12
• Study Completion Date: 2025-05-31

Brief Summary

The goal of this study is to evaluate how a Chatbot-based assistant can improve problem-solving skills and coping strategies in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Detailed Description

A report by the World Health Organization reveals that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is among the most prevalent and significant developmental disorders affecting children, is diagnosed in roughly one out of every 100 children around the world. This condition can cause a range of disabilities and changes in how a child communicates and interacts socially. Parenting a child with ASD is a continuous and demanding journey, often marked by heightened stress and mental health challenges for the caregivers. These parents must navigate an array of daily pressures, such as limited influence over their child's behaviors, concerns about the child's cognitive progress and their acquisition of adaptive skills, as well as the relentless requirements of caregiving and time management. They also grapple with worries regarding their bond with their child and the looming uncertainties about the child's long-term prospects. As children with ASD grow, their evolving needs can introduce new complexities. In comparison to parents of neurotypical children, those raising children with ASD encounter a significantly greater number of stress-inducing factors. The problem-solving ability is a key factor in helping parents cope with these stressors, improve their mental health, and have a positive impact on their child and other family members. There is a pressing need to find widely accepted interventions that can improve problem-solving skills and reduce distress in parents of children with ASD.

Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) focuses on developing practical problem-solving abilities to enhance coping mechanisms and reduce psychological distress. Although PSST has demonstrated remarkable success in various populations, its application specifically for parents of children with ASD remains understudied. Given the unique challenges faced by ASD caregivers, there is a pressing need to investigate how PSST might be adapted and implemented to support this specific population's mental health and problem-solving capabilities.

Considering the convenience, low cost and popularity of Chatbot, Chatbot-based PSST (C-PSST) will be administered in this study. A pilot study will be proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of C-PSST. A total of 20 caregivers of children will be recruited to receive the C-PSST and usual service. Through this proposed project, we shall determine (i) whether the C-PSST is acceptable and feasible for parents of children with ASD, (ii) whether it can improve problem-solving abilities and well-being, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve the quality of life in caregivers of children with ASD.

The findings will provide evidence for C-PSST in Chinese caregivers, inform evidence-based practice to provide mental health support to caregivers of children with ASD, and provide essential guidance for practitioners (such as nurses and social workers), and policymakers to improve the quality of life in families of children with ASD.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Chatbot group

Use a specialized Chatbot designed to provide real-time guidance and support for ASD-related parenting challenges

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Chatbot-base problem-solving skills training(PSST)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

The intervention incorporates eight sessions: Session 1 involves rapport building, understanding relevant personal and medical history, and introducing the Chatbot-based program and worksheet; Session 2 focuses on maintaining brightness and optimism when faced with a specific obstacle; Sessions 3-7 involve the continued application of problem-solving skills training(PSST) to identify problems and the promotion of problem-solving strategies and skills in vivo, including (a) identifying the problem, (b) determining the options, (c) evaluating and choosing the best option, (d) acting according to the best option, and (e) seeing if it works; and Session 8 involves a review of PSST principles and termination.

Interventions

Chatbot-base problem-solving skills training(PSST)

The intervention incorporates eight sessions: Session 1 involves rapport building, understanding relevant personal and medical history, and introducing the Chatbot-based program and worksheet; Session 2 focuses on maintaining brightness and optimism when faced with a specific obstacle; Sessions 3-7 involve the continued application of problem-solving skills training(PSST) to identify problems and the promotion of problem-solving strategies and skills in vivo, including (a) identifying the problem, (b) determining the options, (c) evaluating and choosing the best option, (d) acting according to the best option, and (e) seeing if it works; and Session 8 involves a review of PSST principles and termination.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

(i) providing long-term care for children with a diagnosis of ASD from a qualified clinician according to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed through the provision of written documentation by parents, (ii) who identified as the primary caregiver of the children with ASD, (iii) who are older than 18 years old, and (iv) who have the ability to communicate in and read Chinese.

Exclusion Criteria

(i) who attended other parent training programs at the same time, (ii) who declined to complete the three scheduled assessments, and (iii) who had a diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia and severe bipolar disorder) or cognitive impairment.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Dr Wendy Zhang Wen

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Hong Kong Metropolitan University

Hong Kong, , Hong Kong

Site Status: RECRUITING

Countries

Hong Kong

Central Contacts

Wendy Zhang

Role: CONTACT

Phone: 39702945

Email: wwzhang@hkmu.edu.hk

Facility Contacts

Wendy Zhang, PhD

Role: primary

Other Identifiers

202415

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id