Testing a Personalized mHealth Toolkit to Support Mental Health of Teachers and Parents in Uganda A Study on Improving Mental Health Literacy and Reducing Anxiety and Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new mobile health mHealth intervention called the mHealth Toolkit for Wellness & Empowering Lives of School Community mWEL in Uganda. This study is conducted in two phases a pilot phase to test feasibility and effectiveness with a small group, followed by a larger study to assess the interventions impact on mental health literacy and outcomes among teachers and parents. The study focuses on preventing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression by supporting caregivers through this digital tool. The mWEL toolkit is a self-help app designed for teachers and parents, providing comprehensive mental health screening, personalized reports, and tailored strategies to improve stress management and emotional regulation. In the first phase, 160 caregivers from 8 schools participate in a cluster randomized controlled trial, with some receiving the mWEL intervention and others serving as a control group. The second phase will expand to 24 schools with 1,000 participants, comparing the mWEL intervention to general health literacy information without mental health support. Participants engage with the mWEL app over a 3 to 5 month period, accessing the tool anytime after signing up. Researchers will assess changes in mental health literacy and symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline and after 5 months using validated scales. The study also monitors the apps acceptability and usage patterns. Throughout the trial, participants complete surveys and receive support as needed, with the overall study lasting until early 2028.

Promoting Mental Health of Teachers and Caregiver Using a Personalized mHealth Toolkit in Uganda