Evaluation of a Guided Chatbot Intervention for Young People in Jordan: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

Depression and anxiety are a leading cause of disability worldwide and often start during adolescence and young adulthood. The majority of young people live in low and middle income countries where there is a lack of mental health services. The World Health Organisation (WHO) developed a guided, non-artificial intelligence chatbot intervention called Scalable Technology for Adolescents and youth to Reduce Stress (STARS) to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people affected by adversity.

This feasibility study evaluated the STARS intervention among 60 young people aged 18 to 21 in Jordan who reported elevated psychological distress. Participants were randomised to receive either the 10-session STARS programme, which included optional weekly support calls with trained e-helpers, or enhanced care as usual via psychoeducational web pages.

This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the STARS intervention and research procedures. A fully powered, definitive randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of STARS.