See if ICC-T workshop reduces violence by teachers in Zambian primary schools
Official title: School-based Prevention of Teacher Violence Against Children: A Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial in Zambia
Run by Bielefeld University · NCT07773961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The study tests whether a teacher training program called ICC-T can reduce violent discipline in public primary schools in Eastern Province, Zambia, among third-grade students and their teachers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 700 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bielefeld University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Petauke, Eastern Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07773961 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Public primary schools in the Eastern Province of Zambia with 8–50 teachers and at least 35 students per grade, selecting clusters that include third-grade students aged 8–13 years.
✕Probably not a fit
Some participants may not experience a measurable reduction in violence or may not benefit if the school does not implement the training as intended.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study uses a two-arm, cluster-randomized design across about 12 school clusters (30 schools max) in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Six clusters will receive the Interaction Competencies with Children - for Teachers (ICC-T) workshop, delivered by trained local trainers during school holidays, while the other six clusters continue with usual practice. Data will be collected at baseline and approximately six months after the intervention to evaluate changes in violent discipline. Approximately 30-35 students per cluster and 20-25 teachers per cluster will participate, with informed consent obtained from all participants. The study aims to determine whether ICC-T training can improve teacher-student interactions and reduce violence in school settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce violent discipline and improve student well-being and learning environments.
How similar studies have gone: There is prior research on classroom-based violence prevention, though this exact ICC-T teacher-training approach in this setting is relatively novel and being tested for efficacy.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Schools: * public primary school (state owned schools, guided by Zambian education policy) * at least 35 students in the selected grade (3th school grade). o if it has less than 35 students in a grade, then it will be combined with nearby selected public primary school which must be within 15 km from the respective and an equal number from each school cluster will be selected to participate in the study. * at least 8 but no more than 50 employed teachers. o in case of less than 25 teachers, the selected school will form a school cluster together with another near-by (i.e., within 15 km) public primary school. All participants: • Written informed consent (if underaged by parents (written) \& minors themselves (orally) Students: * being enrolled in third school grade of public primary school. * being of age between 8 and 13 years. Teachers: * being employed at an eligible school. * being open to participate in the intervention during school holidays. Facilitators: * Ideally people holding a BA degree in psychology, social work, social sciences * Interest in the work with children * Being open minded and motivated * Balance of gender in the team of enumerators Exclusion Criteria: Schools: • Schools participating in the sponsorship program of Save the Children will be excluded. Students: • severe mental disabilities that make it impossible to follow the interview questions. Teachers: • acute intoxication of alcohol, drugs or any other substance which make it impossible to follow the interview questions.
Where it's running
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Field Office Petauke - Save the Children Zambia
Petauke, Eastern Province, Zambia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tobias Hecker, Prof. Dr.
- Email: tobias.hecker@uni-bielefeld.de
- Phone: +49 521 106-3105
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.