Reducing teacher violence against children in Sub-Saharan Africa
Reducing Violence by Teachers Against Children: A Multi-Site Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Interaction Competencies With Children - for Teachers (ICC-T) in Primary and Secondary Schools in Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana
This study is testing whether training teachers in non-violent discipline methods can reduce violence against children in schools across Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2880 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bielefeld University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Abetifi and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04948580 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the high prevalence of violence by teachers against children in Sub-Saharan Africa through a multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial. It will involve 72 public schools across Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana, where schools will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving training in non-violent disciplinary methods or a control group with no intervention. The study will assess the impact of the intervention on both students and teachers at three different time points: before the intervention, six months after, and 18 months after. The primary outcomes will focus on changes in reported physical and emotional violence.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include students enrolled in the third year of primary school or the first year of secondary school, along with their teachers in selected public schools.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with acute drug or alcohol intoxication or acute psychotic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce violence against children in schools, improving their well-being and educational outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While there are few scientifically evaluated interventions targeting teacher violence, this approach is innovative and aims to fill a significant gap in existing research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
General: Inclusion Criteria: * All: Written informed consent (if underaged by parents (written) \& minors themselves (oral or written) * Students: Enrollment in class 3 of primary school or in class 1 of secondary school * Teachers: All teachers employed at the school Schools: * Public schools * Mixed-gender schools * Day schools * At least 40 students in selected class/stream Exclusion criteria: * Acute drug or alcohol intoxication * Acute psychotic disorder
Where this trial is running
Abetifi and 2 other locations
- Presbyterian University College Ghana — Abetifi, Ghana (Recruiting)
- Daressalaam University College of Education — Daressalam, Tanzania (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology — Mbarara, Uganda (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Hecker, Prof. Dr. — Bielefeld University
- Study coordinator: Tobias Hecker, Prof. Dr.
- Email: tobias.hecker@uni-bielefeld.de
- Phone: +49 521 106 3105
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.