Cluster randomised controlled trial of an occupational therapy group intervention for children designed to promote emotional wellbeing.

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The intervention to be evaluated is Kia Piki te Hauora (KPtH: Uplifting our Wellbeing). KPtH is an 8 week school-based group programme for children aged 11-13 years, designed to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, promote self-esteem, and increase occupational participation. Question: "Is the intervention (KPtH) effective at reducing risk factors (symptoms of anxiety and depression) and increasing protective factors (self-esteem and participation), thus promoting future mental well-being, in children aged 11-13 years?" Objectives 1) To compare change in outcome measures between intervention and waitlist-control. 2) To compare change in outcome measures between post-intervention and 8 weeks follow-up. 3) To evaluate the relationship between knowledge change about occupations, health and wellbeing on all outcome measures. Design: This pragmatic trial will cluster participants by schools. Schools will be randomly allocated to receive the intervention or waitlist control. Outcome assessors will be unaware of intervention allocation. Measures will be taken at baseline and post-intervention for intervention or waitlist control groups. Those allocated to the waitlist will later receive the intervention. Outcome measures will be repeated at an 8 week follow up. Primary measure: the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children – short form. Secondary measures: the School Anxiety Scale, Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale – Parent report/short version, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Single Item Self-Esteem Scale, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure – modified, Wellbeing and life satisfaction questions and a survey evaluating participant knowledge. Significance: Generating research on preventative interventions is important for the future of children in Aotearoa/New Zealand.