Feasibility of a Youth-led NCD Risk Reduction Initiative in Selected Schools of Slums in Karachi, Pakistan: a Mixed-methods, pre-and Post-intervention Study

Feasibility of a Youth-led NCD Risk Reduction Initiative in Selected Schools of Slums in Karachi, Pakistan: a Mixed-methods, pre-and Post-intervention Study

The study will occur in ten selected schools within Azam Basti and Mehmoodabad, organized into five sequential phases. Phase I involves identifying NCD modifiable risk factors among younger peers (Classes 5 and 6 students) using structured diaries. Phase II includes qualitative interviews with youth (Classes 9 and 10 students), parents, and stakeholders to discuss intervention material and delivery. Phase III comprises a one-day workshop to co-create an intervention. Phase IV involves three-day training for youth to understand and deliver the intervention to their peers. Finally, Phase V assesses the intervention's feasibility using a pre-and post-test design approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both government and private schools
2. Schools that have classes 1 to 10 in one boundary
3. Schools who agree to take part in the qualitative interviews
4. Schools that permit to engage youth, their parents, and younger peers in the study for ten months
5. For youth: Students of classes 9 and 10 (aged 14 to 16 years)
6. For younger peers: Students of classes 5 and 6 (9 to 12 years)
7. Students who provide written informed assent followed by parental consent
8. Parents of youth and other stakeholders, including head teachers, schoolteachers, and canteen staff who provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Schools currently enrolled in any NCD-related intervention program or any similar program during the last six months
2. For youth: Having any severe or chronic medical condition or disability that restricts active participation of students in the intervention co-creation and delivery