Recruiting

Promoting Mental Health Among At-risk Adolescents in Malaysia

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07138664

PhaseNA

Enrollment428

SponsorUniversity of Roehampton

Age12 Years – 14 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Depression in Adolescence, Anxiety

About this study

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.

Interventions

Behavioral: Super 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.
Behavioral: Study-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.

Primary outcomes

Change in adolescent's anxiety and depression (Pre-intervention, as well as at 8 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention.)
Change in adolescent's wellbeing (Pre-intervention, as well as at 8 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention.)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: 1. 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. 2. 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). 3. Adolescent's parent/carer provides written consent. Exclusion Criteria: (1) Being diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders. (2) Being diagnosed with intellectual disability. \-

Study locations

Fakulti Psikologi Dan Pendidikan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 88400 Malaysia
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kuching, Sarawak 94300 Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor 43600 Malaysia
Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor 50603 Malaysia
Sunway University, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500 Malaysia

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-10-23.