Exploring how civic engagement affects youth health and wellbeing
Official title: The I-ACTED Study: Testing the Causal Effects of a Civic Engagement Intervention on Health and Wellbeing Among Youth
Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT04514133 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if getting young people involved in community activities can improve their health and wellbeing, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 20 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT04514133 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are middle or high school students enrolled in participating schools and courses.
✕Probably not a fit
Students not enrolled in the action civics curriculum or those from non-participating schools may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research investigates the impact of an action civics curriculum on the health and wellbeing of young people. Students from selected schools will participate by completing surveys during class and online to assess their civic engagement and sense of community. The study aims to establish causal links between civic participation and improvements in mental, physical, and behavioral health outcomes, particularly for marginalized youth. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to highlight the transformative potential of civic engagement in fostering better health among young individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance youth mental health and wellbeing through increased civic engagement.
How similar studies have gone: While there is correlational evidence supporting the benefits of civic engagement on health, this study aims to establish causal relationships, making it a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently enrolled Middle or High School student * Enrolled in a course with a teacher from a school participating in the study
Where it's running
-
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Parissa J Ballard, PhD — Assistant Professor
- Study coordinator: Parissa J Ballard, PhD
- Email: pballard@wakehealth.edu
- Phone: 336-716-0793
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.