Impact of a Mental Health Curriculum for High School Students on Knowledge and Stigma

This study examines the effectiveness of a school based mental health literacy intervention for high school students, on improving mental health knowledge and reducing stigma. Twenty-four high schools in the regional area of Ottawa, Canada were randomly assigned to either the curriculum or control condition at a two to one ratio. The educational curriculum was integrated within grade 11 and 12 Provincial "Healthy Living" courses, delivered by teachers, and replaced existing educational content on mental health.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Mental Disorders Adolescents Behavior Comparative Effectiveness Research Early Intervention Education Curriculum Social Behavior Social Stigma

Age range

14 year–19 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

There is limited evidence and consensus on the effectiveness of school-based mental health educational programs, and no standardization for mental health education being taught in schools. This study examines the effectiveness of a school-based mental health literacy intervention for adolescents, on knowledge and stigma. A secondary objective was to determine the generalizability and applicability of an educational resource for mental health in high schools.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Students enrolled in the Healthy Living course of participating Ottawa area community high schools.

Exclusion criteria

Students not enrolled in the Healthy Living course of participating Ottawa area community high schools.
Students with an English reading and comprehension level lower than the sixth grade

Treatment and study plan

Curriculum

Behavioral

A mental health educational resource delivered in the classroom by trained educators

Other names: The Curriculum Guide

eLearning Follow-up

Behavioral

An online mental health education module that students access individually

Other names: online follow-up learning module

Primary outcomes

Self-Report Knowledge of Mental Illness Scale

Time frame: Immediately following completed delivery of The Curriculum Guide

15 multiple choice questions about mental illness computed to provide a total score of mental health knowledge for each participant
Self-Report Attitudes Towards Mental Illness Scale

Time frame: Immediately following completed delivery of The Curriculum Guide

A Likert scale of 8 statements about characteristics of individuals with mental illness computed to provide a total score of positive attitudes towards mental illness for each participant

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Ottawa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Youth Mental Health Awareness Study and Early Intervention Research Project

Important dates

Study start: 2011
Primary completion: 2013
Study completion: 2013
First posted: Sep 28, 2015
Registry last updated: Sep 28, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed