A program to raise mental health awareness among 9th grade students
Youth Aware of Mental Health (the YAM-project) - a School-based Program for Mental Health Promotion and Well-being in 9th Grade Students: a Cluster-randomized, Feasibility Trial
This study is testing a program designed to raise mental health awareness and reduce thoughts of suicide among 9th grade students in Denmark by adding interactive lessons to their school curriculum.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mental Health Services in the Capital Region, Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hellerup) |
| Trial ID | NCT06549764 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility trial investigates the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program, which aims to enhance mental health awareness and reduce suicidal ideation among Danish 9th grade students. The study involves a two-arm, cluster-randomized design where one group receives the YAM program integrated into their curriculum, while the control group follows the standard curriculum with additional posters. The trial will assess program participation, student endorsement, and adherence to the manual, as well as the program's impact on mental health knowledge and suicidal behavior. Conducted in 8-10 public schools across Denmark, the YAM program includes various interactive components such as discussions, lectures, and role-playing games.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are 9th grade students aged 15 years and older attending public schools in Denmark.
Not a fit: Students in specialized schools for vulnerable groups or those receiving treatment for special needs may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce suicidal ideation and improve mental health awareness among adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that similar school-based mental health programs can effectively reduce suicidal ideation and improve mental health outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: The inclusion criteria for schools are public schools, which as a minimum have 2 parallel classes of 9th grade with students aged 15+ years. Exclusion criteria: Schools specialized towards specific groups of students, such as vulnerable groups, and schools, which are providing treatment for students with special needs (in DK: behandlingsskoler og specialskoler) are omitted from participation in the trial. The reason is that these groups of students are considered particularly vulnerable, often with specific diagnoses and special needs for individual support, which do not correspond with the manualized YAM intervention. Boarding schools (in DK: efterskoler) with 9th grade students will be offered to serve as test schools during the training of YAM-instructors but are not eligible per se. Being boarding schools, social interactions between peers might differ in intensity and character from those of schools where children are living at home only attending during school hours.
Where this trial is running
Hellerup
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services — Hellerup, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Britt R Morthorst, PhD
- Email: britt.reuter.morthorst@regionh.dk
- Phone: 27521085
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.