Reducing violence against children in Tanzanian schools and homes
Improving Children's Mental Health by Preventing Teacher and Family Violence: A Pilot Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a new program in Tanzanian schools to see if it can reduce violence against children by helping both teachers and parents work together.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1840 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bielefeld University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Daressalam) |
| Trial ID | NCT06369025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address the high prevalence of violence against children in Tanzania by implementing a school-based intervention that targets both teachers and parents. The study will involve a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial across 16 primary schools in the Urban District of Morogoro, assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention. Participants will include students, parents, and teachers, with data collected at baseline and three months post-intervention to evaluate outcomes. The unique approach of involving both educators and caregivers is designed to create a comprehensive support system for children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 9 to 13 years enrolled in selected public primary schools in Tanzania, along with their parents and teachers.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who are not enrolled in the participating schools or do not have a caregiver living nearby.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce instances of violence against children, improving their emotional and social well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various interventions targeting school violence, this specific approach of integrating both parental and teacher involvement is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
General: Inclusion Criteria: Schools: * Public primary schools * at least 45 students in selected class/ stream * least 25 but no more than 50 employed teacher in selected school. All participants: - Written informed consent (if underaged by parents (written) \& minors themselves (orally) Students: * Enrollment in selected public primary school, age between 9 and 13 years * living with their caregiver or parents near to the schools Teachers: * employed at the selected schools * aged between 18 and 60 years of age (statutory retirement age) Parents: * their child is participating in the study and is enrolled in a study's eligible school, * social parent (the parent currently taking care of the child independent of the biological relationship to the children; social parents can be biological parents, step-parents, foster parents, relatives, etc.) * aged between 16 and 80 years of age Exclusion criteria (all participants): * Acute drug or alcohol intoxication, * acute psychotic disorder * severe mental disabilities
Where this trial is running
Daressalam
- Daressalaam University College of Education — Daressalam, Tanzania (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Hecker, Prof. Dr. — Bielefeld University
- Study coordinator: Tobias Hecker, Prof. Dr.
- Email: tobias.hecker@uni-bielefeld.de
- Phone: 00495211063105
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.