Using football-informed programs to reduce stigma toward mental illness among university students
Official title: Use of Football in Programs to Reduce Stigma Toward Mental Illness: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Contact Interaction and Video-Based Approaches
Run by Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital · NCT07658066 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A three-arm program tests whether contact-based education, video-based education, or a combination with football can lower stigma toward mental illness in college students.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07658066 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18–30 who are physically able to participate in football activities and consent to online assessments and interviews.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who do not experience changes in attitudes or who cannot participate in football-based components may not see a benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study compares three intervention approaches to reduce stigma toward mental illness in university students. Participants are randomly assigned to: (1) contact-based education using football, (2) video plus contact-based education, or (3) football plus contact-based education. Attitudes are measured before and after the intervention via online assessments, and qualitative interviews gather participant perspectives. The setting is Kaohsiung, Taiwan, involving students aged 18–30 who are medically cleared for exercise. Outcomes will indicate which method most effectively reduces stigma and informs future stigma-reduction programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could lower stigma toward mental illness among students and promote more inclusive campus environments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests that contact-based education can reduce mental health stigma; the added football component is a novel element being tested for incremental benefit.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * University students currently enrolled, aged between 18 and 30 years. * In good physical condition with no contraindications to exercise (i.e., not diagnosed by a physician or advised to avoid physical activity, and with no items selected on the PAR-Q+ \[Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone\]). * Able to follow the study procedures and provide signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are unable to safely participate in football activities due to intellectual disability, pregnancy, head injury, cardiovascular disease, or other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders. * Individuals who are unable to effectively participate in the intervention program or complete assessments due to significant emotional disturbances, personality disorders, substance (alcohol) abuse, or severe mental illness.
Where it's running
-
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ming-De Chen, Ph.D.
- Email: mdchen@kmu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-73121101
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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.