Study protocol of a factorial trial ECHO: optimizing a group-based school intervention for children with emotional...

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Mental Health Services Research

Background:

• Youth mental health, particularly anxiety and depression, is a significant public health issue.
• The EMOTION Coping Kids Managing Anxiety and Depression program targets school children aged 8-12 with anxious and depressive symptoms.
• This study evaluates an optimized, potentially more accessible, version of this intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a standard EMOTION intervention with a partially digital version (DIGGI) incorporating virtual reality (VR).
• To assess the impact of high versus low parental involvement on intervention outcomes.
• To determine the effectiveness of a measurement and feedback system (MFS) for tailoring interventions.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized factorial design involving 40 schools across Norway.
• Data collection via self-report questionnaires from children and parents at multiple time points.
• Inclusion of teacher reports, implementation data, and user satisfaction measures.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes include changes in children's depressive and anxious symptoms.
• Secondary outcomes encompass self-esteem, quality of life, and user satisfaction.
• The study accounts for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

Conclusions:

• The research will elucidate the efficacy of school-based interventions for childhood anxiety and depression.
• It will provide insights into feedback-informed health systems and digital mental health interventions for youth.
• Findings will also clarify the role and cost-effectiveness of parental involvement in treatment.