Protocol for a study on social belonging wise intervention to address adverse childhood experiences and improve Kenyan high school students' academic performance and general well-being

The study investigates the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Kenyan high school students, and their associations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and implement the social belonging wise intervention adaptable for resource-limited contexts. A quasi-experimental pretest and post-test design will be utilized and 372 students aged 14–18 years in the second year of schooling, from two public high schools will be recruited to participate. The treatment group will undergo the social belonging-wise intervention over three sessions at one monthly intervals, with the control group remaining passive. The primary outcomes will be improved academic performance and general well-being and reduced loneliness, while the secondary outcomes will be reduction of symptoms of posttraumatic disorder, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Effectiveness of the intervention will be determined using Cohen’s d with an anticipated effect size of 0.5 and a high R-squared in multiple linear regression models will indicate stronger associations. Paired t-test will compare reduction of symptoms of the three psychopathologies between the treatment and comparison groups. The goal of the intervention is to alleviate the effects of adverse childhood experiences, enhance academic performance and wellbeing, reduce symptoms of the associated psychopathologies and advocate for improved mental health resources and policies for adolescents.