Nurse-supported Mobile App for Self-help CBT-I in Informal Cancer Caregivers

NCT07089797 · tracked via the Priya Life Science China tracker

Sponsor

The University of Hong Kong

Phase

Not applicable

Started

2025-08-11

Last updated

2026-02-18

Condition(s) studied

Insomnia ChronicCancer Caregivers

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Nurse-Supported Mobile App for Self-Help CBT-ISleep hygiene education

Nurse-Supported Mobile App for Self-Help CBT-I: The intervention consists of two components: 1) a mobile app (i.e., WeChat mini program) delivered 6-week self-help CBT-I program; and 2) Weekly nurse support session (up to 20 minutes each) across a 6 week intervention period.

Sleep hygiene education: The participants in the control group will receive only sleep hygiene (one-page handout) via WeChat. Access to the CBT-I WeChat mini program will be offered to these participants after the completion of the 3-month follow-up assessment.

Study summary

This mixed-methods randomized controlled trial investigates whether a nurse-supported mobile app for self-help cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) effectively reduces insomnia severity among informal cancer caregivers, compared to sleep hygiene education.\<br\>\<br\>

The primary research question is:\<br\> Does nurse-supported mobile app for self-help CBT-I lower insomnia severity among cancer caregivers compared to sleep hygiene education at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up?\<br\>\<br\>

A total of 208 participants will:\<br\>

1. Be randomly assigned to one of two groups:\<br\> (i) the nurse-supported mobile app-based self-help CBT-I group, which involves a 6-week CBT-I program delivered via a WeChat mini program along with weekly nurse support sessions (up to 20 minutes each); or\<br\> (ii) the sleep hygiene education group.\<br\>
2. Complete assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up to measure changes in insomnia severity (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes include subjective sleep outcomes, psychological well-being, caregiver burden, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and participants' acceptability and satisfaction.\<br\>\<br\>

As recommended for trials of complex interventions, investigators will conduct a process evaluation in alignment with the Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance. The key functions of the process evaluation include: \*(1) implementation, (2) mechanisms of impact, and (3) context.\*

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Min age

18 Years

Max age

—

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Informal caregiver (e.g., family member or a friend) who co-resides with a cancer survivor of any site or stage and provides at least 4 hours of unpaid daily care. If two or more caregivers are available for a cancer survivor, the one providing most of the daily care will be included. * Able to understand the research procedures, and read and communicate in Chinese * Able to use WeChat * Insomnia severity index scores \> 7 Exclusion Criteria: * Another sleep disorder (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, rapid eye movement behavior disorder), besides insomnia, that is not adequately treated * Psychotic disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); Suicidal ideation with intent and plan OR attempted suicide within the past 2 months * Currently taking any psychotropic drugs (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, sleep medications) * Unstable or acute medical condition or condition requiring surgery in the next 6 months; Pregnancy; or Epilepsy * Currently participating in any other interventional program * Prior experience with CBT-I * Night, evening, early morning or rotating shift work * Currently caring for a cancer patient receiving hospice care

Primary outcome measure(s)

Insomnia severity — Baseline to 18 week
Insomnia severity will be assessed by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The ISI is a well-validated, 7-item scale designed to assess the severity of insomnia retrospectively over the past 2 weeks. Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating more severe insomnia symptoms.

Trial sites (1)

Facility	City	Region	Status
Shanghai University Shanghai Cancer Centre	Shanghai	China	Recruiting

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Official registry record

This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.

View NCT07089797 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in China