Roots for Life: Strengthening mental health in school communities

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

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

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Ages: 5 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Universidad de Valparaiso (Academic / other)
• Locations: 3 sites (Achao, Chiloe and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07564635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility 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 this trial is running

Achao, Chiloe and 2 other locations

• 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

Conditions Mental Health Literacy