THRIVE-Belize: A School-Based Life-Skills Program to Support Teen Health in Toledo District, Belize (Feasibility)

THRIVE-Belize: A Single-School Mixed-Methods Feasibility Trial of a Multi-Component Life-Skills Curriculum for Adolescent Health Promotion at Toledo Community College, Belize

THRIVE-Belize is a school-based program being developed to support the health and well-being of adolescents in the Toledo District of southern Belize. The program covers seven topics: communication and emotional regulation, healthy expressions of masculinity, sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships, mental and physical health, substance use prevention, and environmental health.

Before testing whether the program works, the research team needs to learn whether students, teachers, parents, school staff, and community members find it acceptable, appropriate, and practical to deliver at Toledo Community College. This study (Phase I) does not deliver the program to anyone. Instead, it gathers feedback through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with about 280 participants across these five groups.

The information collected will be used to refine the program and decide whether to move forward to a future pilot study. No medical or educational intervention is given to participants in this phase.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Students: enrolled at Toledo Community College in Forms 1-4; ages 12-18 years; able to read and comprehend English at grade level; provides written assent; has active written parental/guardian consent
• Teachers: currently employed at TCC; teaches students in Forms 1-4; provides written informed consent
• Parents/Guardians: parent or legal guardian of an eligible TCC student; age 18 years or older; able to communicate in English, Spanish, or Q'eqchi'-Mopan Maya; provides written informed consent
• School Principal and Administrative Staff: currently serving as principal or administrative staff at TCC; provides written informed consent
• Community Stakeholders: recognized expertise in adolescent health, education, or youth services (e.g., healthcare providers, religious leaders, village council members, youth organization leaders); resident of Toledo District, Belize; provides written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive or developmental limitations preventing informed assent or participation (students)
• Declines to participate (students or parents/guardians)