A Randomized, Single-Blind Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness of Brief Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia Patients Under Medication Treatment At Nguyen Trai Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Insomnia disorder is considered quite common and is recognized as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. In industrialized countries, chronic insomnia disorder is estimated to affect about 5-10% of the population, with some studies indicating that this rate can reach up to 33% among adults. Research in the Netherlands has shown that insomnia symptoms increase the risk of developing, relapsing, and prolonging mood disorders in men and are associated with recurrent anxiety disorders in women. Without treatment, insomnia disorders are challenging to improve and can impact patients' economic stability and health. Treating insomnia can support recovery and prevent mental disorders, particularly mood disorders. One of the commonly referenced non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia worldwide is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This therapy has been recognized by the American College of Physicians as a first-line and highly effective treatment for insomnia. However, it still faces several barriers to widespread application in clinical practice, such as resource constraints and the time commitment required from patients. As a result, some studies abroad have shown that physicians may be reluctant to recommend CBT-I alone, even though it is considered the preferred treatment. To address these challenges, numerous international studies have expanded the range of providers (such as pharmacists and nurses) or adopted shortened versions, such as Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBT-I), in hospitals or community pharmacies. BBT-I has been proven effective among older adults with a 2+2 design (two in-person sessions and two follow-up calls) and among younger adults using an electronic format. This is a brief, evidence-based therapy designed to encourage the application of CBT-I techniques in primary healthcare settings, demonstrating effectiveness when performed by healthcare providers with basic training. A significant advantage of combining CBT-I