Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
An Ecological Momentary Intervention for Mental Health in Individuals With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease associated with pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. In addition to physical symptoms, individuals with ankylosing spondylitis frequently experience depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems. However, existing mental health support is limited and often relies on static assessments and scheduled interventions, which may not respond to patients' fluctuating daily symptoms. This study aims to develop and pilot test a WeChat-based ecological momentary intervention to improve mental health in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis in China. The study is a prospective, parallel-group, assessor-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial. A total of 36 adults with ankylosing spondylitis and mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety will be randomized 1:1 to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will first receive six brief video-based sessions on cognitive behavioral therapy-related skills during week 1. During weeks 2 to 5, participants will use a WeChat mini-program to complete daily ecological momentary assessments of pain, depression, and anxiety. Symptom-triggered intervention modules will then provide brief, tailored strategies such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, relaxation exercises, self-compassion practice, and SMART goal setting. The control group will receive standard counseling and educational materials. The primary purpose of this pilot study is to assess feasibility and acceptability, including recruitment, adherence, attrition, engagement, usability, satisfaction, and adverse events. Preliminary effects on depression, anxiety, stress, pain, insomnia, illness perceptions, coping strategies, and quality of life will also be explored at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up.
Official title: An Ecological Momentary Intervention for Mental Health in Individuals With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Development, Feasibility Testing, and Preliminary Outcomes Evaluation
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
36
Start Date
2026-04-01
Completion Date
2027-03-31
Last Updated
2026-06-26
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Ecological Momentary Intervention
Participants allocated to the intervention group will complete six daily 20-minute video-based CBT sessions over the first week, with a Q\&A session held on the final day of this week. From Week 2 to Week 5, they will complete daily ecological momentary assessments (3 items, \<1 minute per assessment) at random time points between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. When scores for pain, anxiety, or depression exceed preset thresholds, tailored intervention modules will be activated, each requiring 10-15 minutes to complete.
Attention Control Group
Participants in the control group will receive standard counseling and educational brochures about the disease. They will be asked to read the educational materials at their own pace during the first 5 weeks, with no additional structured assessments and intervention modules required.
Locations (2)
The Rheumatology outpatient department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Guangzhou, China
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong