Improving child mental health services in China using a training program for teachers
WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) Delivered by Primary Care Workers for Improving Quality of Child Mental and Behavioral Disorders Services: A Hybrid Effectiveness-implementation Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether training kindergarten teachers in a new mental health program can improve the support and care for children with mental and behavioral issues in China.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 375 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 9 sites (Zhongshan, Guangdong and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06702410 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted WHO Mental Health Gap Action Program Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) in enhancing the quality of services for children with mental and behavioral disorders in China. The study will involve kindergarten teachers who will receive training on the mhGAP-IG and implement it in their classrooms. Researchers will compare the outcomes of children receiving this intervention to those receiving standard care, focusing on symptom severity, caregiver distress, and service capacity. The trial will utilize a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled design across 20 kindergartens in Zhongshan City.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2-6 years who have been screened positive for mental and behavioral disorders and are residing in Zhongshan City.
Not a fit: Patients who have co-morbid conditions requiring hospitalization or have previously received specialized mental health services may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes for children with behavioral disorders and enhance the support available to their caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar training programs for non-specialist providers in low- and middle-income countries, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. Eligibility criteria for children/caregivers Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 2-6 years; * Screened positive by the mhGAP-IG screening tool; * Will stay in Zhongshan City for the next one year. Exclusion Criteria: * Co-morbid physical or mental conditions requiring inpatient hospitalization; * Currently or in the past six months received CMBDs services provided by specialized mental health workers; * Deafness or blindness in the child or caregivers; * Not available or unwilling to participate in the trial. 2. Eligibility criteria for kindergarten teachers Inclusion Criteria: * Have one or more years of work experience in the selected kindergartens * Be available to participate in the mhGAP training. Exclusion Criteria: * Have received the mhGAP training before; * Have arrangements requiring long-term leave from work in the next one year; * Unwilling to participate in the trial.
Where this trial is running
Zhongshan, Guangdong and 8 other locations
- Zhongshan Zhengfa Kindergarten — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
- Zhongshan Xiaolan Huasheng Kindergarten — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
- Zhongshan Dongfeng Deshan Kindergarten — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
- Zhongshan Huangpu Boya Oriental Pearl Kindergarten — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
- First Kindergarten in Zhongshan Torch High-Tech Industrial Development Zone — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Active_not_recruiting)
- Third Kindergarten in Zhongshan Torch High-Tech Industrial Development Zone — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Active_not_recruiting)
- Xiao Yin Kindergarten in Zhongshan Torch High-Tech Industrial Development Zone — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Active_not_recruiting)
- Zhangjiabian Kindergarten in Zhongshan Torch High-Tech Industrial Development Zone — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Active_not_recruiting)
- Shaxi Xin Shimen Kindergarten in Zhongshan City. — Zhongshan, Guangdong, China (Active_not_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wen Chen, PhD — Medical statistics, School of public health, Sun Yat-sen University
- Study coordinator: Wen Chen, Professor
- Email: chenw43@mail.sysu.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 13580520052
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.