Parenting in the Preschool System in Malaysia (NCT07599566) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Parenting in the Preschool System in Malaysia
Malaysia772 participantsStarted 2024-07-10
Plain-language summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid human-digital playful parenting programme, "Naungan Kasih-Hybrid (NK-Hybrid)", in Malaysia. The programme is facilitated by teachers from Malaysian preschools for low-income families, consisting of a) one in-person session to introduce caregivers to the programme, b) teacher-facilitated WhatsApp support groups, and c) an interactive chatbot-led parenting programme featured on WhatsApp, called "Naungan Kasih-Text (NKText)". It tests the effectiveness of this package in a cluster-randomised trial, with 50 preschools as clusters, randomly assigned to either the treatment group or a waitlist control group. Findings from this study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of a low-cost and scalable intervention integrating digital modalities with a "light-touch" in-person component to improve educational outcomes in children attending preschools for low-income families, and thereby address social inequalities in Malaysia.
N = 50 Clusters, 772 Primary Caregivers, 304 Secondary Caregivers, and 754 Children. Enrolment reflects participating primary caregivers.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Preschools (clusters):
* Registered Ministry of Rural Development (KEMAS) preschool
* Has a class of 20 or more children aged 4-6 years
* Selected by KEMAS leadership as available to participate
* Class teacher is willing to deliver the programme and participates in programme training
Parents/Caregivers:
* Responsible for a child aged 4-6 years enrolled in a participating KEMAS preschool
* Aged 18 years or older
* Has access to a mobile phone compatible with WhatsApp
* Provides informed consent
Children:
* Enrolled in a participating KEMAS preschool
* Aged 4-6 years
* Parent provides consent
* Provides verbal assent
Teachers (Facilitators):
* Registered employee with a KEMAS preschool
* Aged 18 years or older
* Diploma/certificate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or equivalent
* Provides consent
* Completed training
* Available to deliver intervention
Exclusion Criteria:
* Parents/caregivers who do not meet inclusion criteria
* Children who do not meet inclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.