Effectiveness of school-based Scaling up Teen Mental Health Program through peer synergy (SUTMP) on mental health promotion, mental health literacy, and resilience among senior secondary students of Sikkim, India- A cluster randomized controlled trial protocol

Background: Mental health conditions are a significant burden during adolescence, with up to 50 % starting before age 14. Suicide is among the top three causes of death in this age group, highlighting the need for effective mental health interventions. Objective: The primary objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of school-based Scaling up Teen Mental Health Program through peer synergy (SUTMP) on mental health literacy among senior secondary students. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted among the students of government senior secondary schools. The intervention comprises five modules focusing on mental health literacy, mental health promotion, peer synergy on first aid in mental health, strengthening resilience, and the fifth module focuses on relaxation exercises, meditation and deep breathing techniques, and mindfulness with 'Teen mental health app.' Students will be assessed using the Resilience Scale, Mental Health Promotion Knowledge Scale, Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale, Teen Mental Health Literacy Scale, and Peer Synergy on Mental Health First Aid Scale. Assessment will be done before the intervention, one week after, at three and six months post-intervention. Expected results: The anticipated outcome of the study is that the school-based Scaling up Teen Mental Health Program (SUTMP) will increase mental health literacy among school students, strengthen their resilience skills, and increase the use of a peer-led approach for providing initial mental health first aid. Conclusion: The study will employ an innovative module for delivering the intervention, integrating on-site and app-based approaches in a blended manner.