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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Study protocol

The prevention of anxiety in children through school-based interventions: study protocol for a 24-month follow-up of the PACES project

Authors: Paul Stallard, Gordon Taylor, Rob Anderson, Harry Daniels, Neil Simpson, Rhiannon Phillips, Elena Skryabina

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Anxiety in children is common and incapacitating and increases the risk of mental health disorders in adulthood. Although effective interventions are available, few children are identified and referred for specialist treatment. Alternative approaches in which prevention programmes are delivered in school appear promising. However, comparatively little is known about the best intervention leader (health care–led vs. school-led), long-term effects or the primary preventive value of such programmes.

Methods/Design

Preventing Anxiety in Children through Education in Schools, or PACES, is a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioural therapy prevention programme (FRIENDS) on symptoms of anxiety and low mood in 9- to 10-year-old children. Forty-one schools were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: school-led FRIENDS, health care–led FRIENDS or treatment as usual. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 months and 12 months, with the primary outcome measure being the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale score at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures are changes in self-esteem, worries, bullying and life satisfaction.

Discussion

This protocol summarises the procedure for the 24-month follow-up of this cohort. The study will determine the medium-term effectiveness of an anxiety prevention programme delivered in schools.

Trial registration

ISRCTN23563048
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Metadata
Title
The prevention of anxiety in children through school-based interventions: study protocol for a 24-month follow-up of the PACES project
Authors
Paul Stallard
Gordon Taylor
Rob Anderson
Harry Daniels
Neil Simpson
Rhiannon Phillips
Elena Skryabina
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-15-77

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