GReen And Healthy Schools

NCT04898439 | Unknown

• 1 other identifier: Green_School
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 200
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This project aims to investigate the health effects of making schools greener and more biodiverse. We will mainly focus on cognitive effects, well-being, and BMI. The research hypothesis is that greening schools positively influences the health of children through more exercise and cleaner air.

Conditions

Cognitive Function 1, Social; Cognitive Change; Emotions; Weight, Body; Pollution; Exposure

Keywords

greening of schools; biodiversity; cognition; BMI

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Change in cognitive function

  We measure the cognitive function of children by means of a battery of tests including: stroop test, Continuous Performance, digit span, digit signal and digit selection. We combine the computer tests with eye tracking to provide information about saccadic gain during the tests. The computer tests provide data on how much time per reaction (msec) was needed or how many digits could be remembered.

  At the baseline, after 6 months and through study completion, an average of 1 year

• Change in wellbeing

  We measure the emotional wellbeing by means of the Kids screen test that builds a score of 27 points.

  at the baseline, after 6 months and through study completion, an average of 1 year

• Change in anthropometry

  We measure BMI and waist/hip circumference. They are expressed as kg/m2 and cm.

  at the baseline, after 6 months and through study completion, an average of 1 year

• Change in black carbon levels

  We measure urinary black carbon levels. They are expressed as particles per mm2.

  at the baseline, after 6 months and through study completion, an average of 1 year

Study Arms (2)

Green school

EXPERIMENTAL

The children from schools that are being greened will be investigated and compared to the control school. We will measure cognitive function, BMI, black carbon levels and emotional wellbeing.

Other: greening of the school environment

control school

NO INTERVENTION

The children from schools that are not being greened will be investigated and used as a control group. We will measure cognitive function, BMI, black carbon levels and emotional wellbeing

Interventions

greening of the school environment OTHER

The school will be greened and biodiversity will be increased. This will be done on the playground and area around the school. Special needs corners for playing, relaxing or gardening will be installed.

Green school

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 9 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Being in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade
• Signed informed consent form by a legal representative

You may not qualify if:

• No knowledge of dutch

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hasselt University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hasselt University

Hasselt, Limburg, 3590, Belgium

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Body Weight

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Michelle Plusquin

  Hasselt University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Michelle Plusquin, PhD

CONTACT

+3211268289; michelle.plusquin@uhasselt.Be

Silvie Daniels, PhD

CONTACT

silvie.daniels@uhasselt.be

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Children will know whether their school is having more nature
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistent professor

Model Details: We have 2 groups: an intervention group that includes children from school that will have more nature in its environment and a control school

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 10, 2021
• First Posted: May 24, 2021
• Study Start: March 15, 2022
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2022
• Study Completion: April 1, 2023
• Last Updated: March 16, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL
• Time Frame: 1/9/2021 - 30/12/2022
• Access Criteria: UHasselt shared drive

Locations

BE (1)