Roots for Life: Strengthening mental health in school communities
Official title: Pilot Study of a Mental Health Literacy-Based Intervention for Parents and Teachers to Improve the Mental Health of Children in 3rd to 5th Grade in Chile and Ecuador
Run by Universidad de Valparaiso · NCT07564635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try a mental health literacy program for teachers and parents to help improve the mental health of children aged 8–11 in vulnerable schools in Chile and Ecuador.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Valparaiso Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Achao, Chiloe and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07564635 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are children aged 8–11 (grades 3–5) enrolled in the listed public or subsidized schools and their willing parents/caregivers and classroom teachers.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with sensory or physical disabilities that prevent completing study surveys, families or teachers outside the participating schools, and those who opt out are unlikely to receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot trial implements a mental health literacy program aimed at teachers and parents of children in grades 3–5 (ages ~8–11) in socially vulnerable primary schools in Chile and Ecuador. The intervention adapts evidence-informed MHL content to local contexts and is delivered within participating public and subsidized schools in Valparaíso, Achao/Chiloe, Curaco de Vélez, and Daule. Researchers will measure feasibility outcomes (such as uptake and acceptability) and preliminary effectiveness on recognition of problems, help-seeking intentions, stigma, and child wellbeing. The project builds on prior Chilean FONIS work to inform scalability in low- and middle-income school settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help teachers and parents recognize and respond earlier to children's mental health needs, reducing delays in care and improving child wellbeing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior mental health literacy programs—mainly among adolescents—have shown improved recognition, help-seeking, and reduced stigma, but few controlled programs have targeted primary-school communities in low- and middle-income countries, making this an adapted application of existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Children Participants: * Child is enrolled in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade of primary school * Child is under 12 years of age * Child's parent or legal guardian has provided written informed consent * Child attends a participating public or subsidized school in Valparaíso, Achao, Curaco de Vélez (Chile), or Daule (Ecuador) Teachers: * Works as a teacher in a participating school * Teaches students in first or second cycle of primary education (grades 1-6) * Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study Parents/Caregivers: * Is the parent or caregiver of a child under 12 years of age * Child is enrolled in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade of primary school * Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Children Participants: \- Child has sensory problems or physical disabilities that prevent completion of surveys Teachers: * Works as educational assistant or in administrative functions only * Voluntarily declines to participate in the study Parents/Caregivers: * Child has sensory problems or physical disabilities that prevent completion of surveys * Voluntarily declines to participate in the study
Where it's running
-
Servicio Local de Educación (SLEP) Chiloe
Achao, Chiloe, Chile Recruiting -
Servicio Local de Educación (SLEP)
Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile Recruiting -
Unidad educativa Victoria Torres de Neira
Daule, Daule, Ecuador Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fanny Leyton
- Email: fanny.leyton@uv.cl
- Phone: 996334590
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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.