Group gamified instrumental music training to boost resilience in underprivileged 8–12 year olds

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a randomized controlled trial comparing a group-based gamified instrumental music training program to an active placebo intervention in underprivileged Hong Kong children aged 8–12 who are at risk for depression or anxiety. Participants are screened using the CES-DC and the State Anxiety Scale for Children and those meeting cutoff scores are enrolled, with exclusions for chronic health conditions, cognitive or learning difficulties, or prior music-based interventions. The study measures resilience as the primary outcome and tracks depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-esteem, and health-related quality of life as secondary outcomes over a 12-month follow-up. Sessions are delivered in person at the investigator site and outcomes are collected at multiple time points to evaluate durability of effects.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Hong Kong Chinese children aged 8-12 years.
* Able to read Chinese and communicate in Cantonese/Mandarin.
* From low-income families.
* Have a risk of mental health problems, specifically depression and/or anxiety (determined through screening during the recruitment process using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, with a cut-off score of ≥16 indicating a high risk of depression, and/or the State Anxiety Scale for Children, with scores between 36 and 60 indicating a significant level of anxiety)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have chronic health conditions, cognitive and learning difficulties
* if they or their siblings are currently receiving or have received any music-based interventions before the study.

Where it's running

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tan Cheung, PhD, MPhil
• Email: ankiecheung@cuhk.edu.hk
• Phone: +85239430515

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.