Feasibility Evaluation of Intervention for Anxiety using CBT among Secondary School Children in Pakistan: A randomized Controlled Trial

Anxiety is highly prevalent among adolescents, which can lead to serious problems in adulthood if left untreated. The global prevalence of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents is found to be 6.5%. As per the National Institutes of Health, over one-third of all adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 will suffer from anxiety. Despite the existence of various treatments, this goes unrecognized and untreated. This highlights the critical need for indigenous, evidence-based intervention to promptly address these risk factors. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of delivering the cognitive-behavioral therapy-based intervention in a Pakistani school setting. The present study is a single-blind, two arms, feasibility randomized controlled trial which will be conducted in Urban schools of Rawalpindi. A sample of 24, secondary school children, aged 14 -18 years, will be approached from 4 private schools located in Rawalpindi. Initial screening will be carried out and then participants are going to be randomized into the intervention arm and control arm. Participants in the intervention arm will receive cognitive-behavioral therapy. A total of 8 group therapy sessions, each lasting for at least 50-60 minutes will be given. While participants in the control arm will receive no such treatment. The feasibility investigation demonstrates a lower level of anxiety among participants and the acceptability of the design. Results of this feasibility randomized control trial will further be beneficial in the capacity building of teachers who can further identify the risk factors of anxiety and be able to take precautionary measures on time.