NCT05639465 · University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Intervention to Prevent Behavioral Health Symptoms Among Pandemic Affected Children
What this study is about
Racial and ethnic minority children who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by pandemic and climate-induced disasters.
View original scientific description
Racial and ethnic minority children who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by pandemic and climate-induced disasters. Although effective interventions have been designed to treat mental health related symptoms in post-disaster settings, accessible, empirically supported prevention interventions are needed to prevent the onset of mental and behavioral health issues among these children. Building on our preliminary findings, the proposed study examines the efficacy and implementation of a COVID-19 adapted disaster focused prevention intervention, Journey of Hope-C19, in preventing behavioral health and interpersonal problems among racial and ethnic minority children who live in low-resource high poverty communities.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
JoH-C19
Journey of Hope- COVID 19 (JoH-C19) includes eight, 1-hour consecutive sessions delivered in groups of 8 children during the school day and in after school settings. The 1.5 hour JoH-C19 caregiver workshop is delivered with groups of 8 parents prior to the child JoH-C19 curriculum
BEHAVIORAL
Switch off Get Active
Switch off Get Active covers 4 topics, and its eight, 1- hour sessions are delivered in groups of 8 children. The 1.5 hour Switch Off Get Active caregiver workshop is delivered with groups of 8 parents prior to the Switch off Get Active child curriculum
Primary outcome measures
Changes in Responses to Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Time frame: T1 (pre-intervention), T2 (2 months; post intervention), T3 (8 months (6 months post intervention); T4 (14 months (12 months post-intervention)).
Measures children's psychological symptoms and impairments used for children between the ages of 4 to 16. The questionnaire is both parent and youth report and is comprised of five subscales including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior. Total difficulty scores which include emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyper-activity and peer relationship problems subscales range from 0-40. The pro-social behavior subscale ranges from 0-10.
Changes in Responses to Pediatric Symptom Checklist-Externalizing Subscale
Time frame: T1 (pre-intervention), T2 (2 months; post intervention), T3 (8 months (6 months post intervention); T4 (14 months (12 months post-intervention)).
Parent report measure of emotional and behavioral problems in children. The questionnaire is comprised of three subscales: internalizing, attention, and externalizing. The externalizing subscale will be used for this study. This subscale includes 7-items and the subscale scores range from 0-14.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- child experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and an additional large-scale disaster
- child score is 5 or above on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
- child is in 3- 8th grade at enrollment
- the parent or guardian must complete informed consent and child assent
- child must speak English or Spanish.
Exclusion criteria
- child is currently receiving treatment for a diagnosed mental health condition
- children who are not able to interact with other students in a group work format, regardless of IEP status
Where
- Bradenton, Florida
- Panama City, Florida
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Dickinson, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- La Marque, Texas
Collaborators
Save the Children, Care Connections Mental Wellness and Learning Center, Dickinson Independent School District, Bay District Schools, University of Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, University of South Florida, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Coalition for Compassionate Schools, Boys and Girls Club of Manatee County, Communities in Schools of Galveston County, Communities in Schools Palm Beach, Communities in Schools Gulf South, R'Club Child Care Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations