Body Project groups to improve body image for girls and young women in Nova Scotia
Implementing an Eating Disorder Prevention Program for Youth in Nova Scotia
This will test whether the Body Project group program can help girls and young women aged 15–22 in Nova Scotia reduce body dissatisfaction and eating disorder risk factors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06963086 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility implementation study delivers the evidence-based Body Project prevention program in group format (totaling about 4–4.5 hours) to girls and young women aged 15–22 in Nova Scotia, using both in-person school-based and virtual groups. The study measures acceptability to participants, demand from youth, and integration feasibility for program facilitators, alongside pre- and post-program self-report measures of eating disorder risk factors. Participants complete computer-based questionnaires in English, with accommodations as needed, and those without private space for virtual sessions are advised to use headphones. The main aim is to determine whether the program can be successfully delivered and produce short-term reductions in risk factors in this regional context.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are individuals who self-identify as girls/women, are 15–22 years old, and either attend the school running an in-person group or live in/attend school in Nova Scotia with access to a computer and webcam for virtual groups.
Not a fit: People who previously completed the Body Project are excluded and may not benefit, and individuals with active clinical eating disorders may require treatment rather than a prevention program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce body dissatisfaction and other eating disorder risk factors among participating youth and increase access to prevention in Nova Scotia.
How similar studies have performed: The Body Project is an established, evidence-based prevention program with multiple trials showing reductions in body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms, so this study is testing implementation in a new regional setting.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identify as a girl/woman. * Be between the ages of 15-22 years old. * For inclusion in an in-person group, an individual must be currently enrolled as a student at the school where they will participate in sessions. * For inclusion in a virtual BP group, an individual must live in and/or attend school in Nova Scotia, and have access to a computer (e.g., laptop, desktop computer, cellphone) with internet connection and a webcam that can be used in a private location (if a participant does not have a private location to use when attending sessions, they will be asked to wear headphones). * Able to complete English computer-based self-report questionnaires (with adequate accommodation, if necessary). * Provides informed consent (or verbal assent with informed consent provided by parent/guardian). Exclusion Criteria: * Previous participation in the Body Project.
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Abbie J Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susan Gamberg, PhD — Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Study coordinator: Susan Gamberg, PhD
- Email: susan.gamberg@nshealth.ca
- Phone: 902-473-2239
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.