The University Of Hong Kong

This study tests whether a smart chatbot can help adults quit smoking as effectively as human support. About 1,000 smokers in Hong Kong will use a WhatsApp chatbot for 12 weeks, receiving personalized advice and encouragement. The goal is to see if the chatbot can boost quit rate…

This study tests whether swallowing capsules containing healthy donor stool can clear carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) from the gut of hospitalized patients. CRE are superbugs that resist many antibiotics and can cause serious infections. The trial will compare the c…

This pilot study is testing whether a Bifidobacterium probiotic supplement can help lower blood pressure in 30 middle-aged Chinese adults with untreated hypertension. Participants will take the probiotic for 12 weeks, and researchers will monitor their blood pressure and other he…

This study tests a volunteer-led lifestyle program for older adults (60+) with sarcopenia, a condition causing muscle loss and weakness. The program includes workshops on nutrition and exercise, supported by nurses and trained volunteers. Researchers will measure changes in muscl…

This study tests a traditional Chinese medicine called Yulinzhu in 60 women aged 18-40 with diminished ovarian reserve (low egg supply). Participants take the herbal therapy for 12 weeks, and researchers measure changes in hormone levels and egg count. The goal is to see if the t…

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding asciminib to standard tyrosine kinase inhibitors can prevent relapse in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia or blastic phase chronic myeloid leukemia after a stem cell transplant. 45 participan…

This study tests whether dapagliflozin, a drug already approved for diabetes and heart failure, can improve exercise ability and heart function in people who have had the Fontan procedure. About 30 participants aged 12 and older will take the drug daily for 3 months. The goal is …

This study tests whether taking folic acid (vitamin B9) daily for 90 days can lower the risk of death within one year for adults with acute kidney injury caused by infections. About 382 participants will either receive folic acid plus standard care or standard care alone. Researc…

This phase II trial tests whether giving pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) plus chemotherapy before surgery, followed by maintenance pembrolizumab, can improve outcomes for people with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. About 53 participants will receive up to 6 cycles of…

This early-phase trial tests whether the weight-loss drug semaglutide can improve outcomes for obese patients waiting for total knee replacement. 54 participants will receive the drug for 48 weeks before and after surgery. The goal is to see if weight loss reduces pain and compli…

This study is testing whether a blood test that looks for genetic changes (ctDNA) can help detect lung cancer early in people who have suspicious lung nodules found on CT scans. Researchers will collect blood samples from 200 participants in Hong Kong and Vietnam at the start and…

This study will test whether low-dose CT scans can help find lung cancer early in high-risk smokers aged 50-79 in Hong Kong. About 15,000 participants will be randomly assigned to receive three rounds of CT scans or usual care. The main goal is to see if screening reduces lung ca…

This study tests whether a program of exercise, lifestyle changes, and a smart chatbot can prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia in 8,336 adults aged 40-60. Participants are split into two groups: one gets active support with structured workouts and reminders, the other gets basic …

This study tests a brief mindfulness-based lifestyle program for caregivers of people with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Many caregivers are not physically active, raising their risk for heart disease. The program combines in-person group sessions w…

This study tests two ways to numb the arm for wrist fracture surgery in people at high risk for severe pain. One method uses a long-acting numbing drug (liposomal bupivacaine) plus regular bupivacaine, and the other uses a steroid (dexamethasone) plus regular bupivacaine. The goa…

This pilot study tests a program to help construction workers in Hong Kong quit smoking. Participants will get nicotine gum, a week of nicotine replacement therapy samples, and 12 weeks of support from a chatbot via WhatsApp. The study will see if this combined approach is practi…

This study tests whether a special adhesive filled with strontium-doped bioactive glass-ceramic can reduce tooth sensitivity. 142 adults with sensitive teeth will receive a single application of either the new adhesive or a standard one. Pain levels will be checked right after an…

This study tests a 5-week digital breathing program (heart rate variability biofeedback) to see if it improves well-being in people with first episode psychosis. 80 participants will either do the breathing exercises or listen to music. The goal is to reduce symptoms like depress…

This study tests whether an AI-powered app can guide people with knee osteoarthritis through exercises at home, reducing pain and improving function as well as in-person physiotherapy. About 176 adults aged 50 and older with knee pain will be split into two groups: one receiving …

This pilot study tests a new program for young adults (25 or under) in Hong Kong who recently quit smoking. The program combines personalized counseling with an AI chatbot that sends supportive messages for 30 days. Researchers want to see if this approach is practical and accept…

This study tests a 12-week program called EXCITE-PAC for family members caring for someone with dementia. The program combines counseling, group meetings, and phone support to help caregivers find more meaning and positivity in their role. Researchers will measure changes in care…

This small pilot study will test whether an 8-week group mindfulness program can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia in parents caring for children with autism or ADHD. Thirty Chinese caregivers will attend weekly sessions and complete surveys before and after the pr…

This pilot study tests whether a short, four-session cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) group, led by trained laypersons, can improve sleep quality in older adults in Hong Kong. Fifty participants aged 45 and older with mild depression and sleep problems will eith…

This study tests a special type of acupuncture—dense cranial electroacupuncture plus body acupuncture—in 148 teens aged 15-22 with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Participants receive treatment twice a week for 8 weeks, and researchers measure changes in anxiety, depressi…

This study compares three sizes of small chest tubes (8, 12, and 14 French) for talc pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion—fluid buildup due to cancer. The goal is to see if the smallest tubes work as well as slightly larger ones, potentially reducing pain and c…

This study tests if acupuncture can lower pain and the need for painkillers after hemorrhoid removal. About 100 adults having surgery for severe hemorrhoids will get either real acupuncture or a sham version over 5 days. Researchers will track pain levels, medication use, and rec…

This study tests whether chewing xylitol gum for 4 weeks, along with text reminders, helps daily smokers cut down or quit. About 134 Hong Kong adults who smoke at least one cigarette daily will be split into two groups: one gets the gum and support, the other gets brief advice on…

This study tests whether a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) can improve sleep and reduce mental distress in young people aged 12-24 in Hong Kong who have moderate mental health concerns. Participants will attend six weekly group sess…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can improve movement and balance in children with cerebellar ataxia, a condition that causes coordination problems. Twenty children aged 4 to 18 will receive either real or sham (fake) rTMS to see if …

This study checks whether an Apple Watch Series 9 can accurately measure key health indicators—like oxygen levels and exercise capacity—in adults with heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, heart failure, or coronary artery disease. Participants wear the smartwatch du…

This study aims to create a risk index for postpartum depression by analyzing sleep patterns in 60 Hong Kong mothers. Participants will wear an actigraphy watch for 14 days to track sleep quality and efficiency, while also completing questionnaires about mood and anxiety. The goa…

This study aims to find early signs of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer by analyzing blood samples over time. Researchers will collect health data and blood from 15,000 adults aged 40-70 to create personalized health baselines using artificial intelligence. The g…

This study tests whether a combination of a 90-minute home visit by trained student interns and a month of daily AI-generated health messages can encourage older adults in Hong Kong to join District Health Centres. 180 adults aged 65 and older who are not yet members will be rand…

This study tests a program called ReFrame-R that teaches older adults in Hong Kong how to communicate better with their adult children. The goal is to see if this training can improve family relationships and give older adults a stronger sense of purpose. About 40 Cantonese-speak…

This study aims to see if a urine test for HPV is acceptable and effective for cervical cancer screening in the community. About 8,620 women aged 26-65 will provide a urine sample at home or a clinic. If the urine HPV test is positive, a follow-up DNA test will help decide who ne…

This study tests whether a nurse-led discharge program helps patients become more active in managing their own health after leaving the hospital. About 120 adults in Hong Kong who are stable enough to go home will take part. Researchers will measure changes in patient activation …

This study tests a program called ChatACP that sends daily messages and uses a chatbot to help family members of nursing home residents prepare for advance care planning—discussions about future medical and personal care. About 60 family members will use the program for 10 days a…

This study will test if a camouflaged WeChat mini-program is a feasible and acceptable way to support Chinese immigrant women in Hong Kong who have experienced intimate partner violence. About 86 women aged 18 to 45 will use the program and provide feedback. The goal is to see if…

This study will take small kidney tissue samples from 42 liver transplant patients who have hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), a condition where the kidneys stop working properly due to severe liver disease. Researchers want to see if the kidneys are actually damaged or just temporarily…

This study tests whether a simple 3-step exercise protocol (assess, advise, refer) can be made a standard part of cancer care. Researchers will train clinic staff and track how many eligible patients are screened and referred to a weight management program. About 1,800 cancer sur…