RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07138664

Promoting Mental Health Among At-risk Adolescents in Malaysia

Sponsor

University of Roehampton

Enrollment

428 participants

Start Date

Aug 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anxiety Depression in Adolescence

Summary

The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate a school-based intervention designed to promote mental health among at-risk adolescents from low-income communities in Malaysia. The study will employ a two-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial design, comparing a school-based intervention to a control condition. Adolescents will be recruited from at least 20 secondary schools located in economically disadvantaged rural and urban areas of Malaysia. Assessments will take place at multiple time points: during screening, at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after the intervention (8 weeks), and at two follow-up points-6 and 12 months post-intervention. The primary outcomes are a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, along with improved mental wellbeing at the 12-month follow-up.

Eligibility

Min Age: 12 YearsMax Age: 14 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Adolescent (aged 12-14) who are in the first two years (Form 1 and Form 2, equivalent to year 7 and 8 in the United Kingdom school system, respectively) in lower secondary schools.
Adolescents score moderate to severe levels of anxiety and/or depression on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) based on the original cut-off norms (DASS-21 Anxiety scale ≥ 10 and/or DASS-21 Depression scale ≥ 14).
Adolescent's parent/carer provides written consent.

Exclusion Criteria2

(1) Being diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. (2) Being diagnosed with intellectual disability.
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Interventions

BEHAVIORALSuper Skills for Life program

Study-Skills program will be implemented in a group format (45-60 minutes per session) in 8 weekly sessions, covering: note-taking skills, effective study strategies, and time management.

BEHAVIORALStudy-Skills program

Study-Skills program will be used as a comparator intervention, which will be implemented in a group format (45-60 minutes per session) in 8 weekly sessions, covering: note-taking skills, effective study strategies, and time management.