School-based Evaluation Advancing Response for Child Health (SEARCH): a mixed longitudinal cohort study from multifaceted perspectives in Jiangsu, China

BACKGROUND: Schools play a crucial role in providing mental health services to children and adolescents. However, the vastness of the student population and mental health workforce shortage in China severely limit the capacity for adequate care access and delivery. OBJECTIVE: We propose a large, mixed longitudinal cohort study, ‘School-based Evaluation Advancing Response for Child Health (SEARCH)’, aimed at addressing the increasing demand from individuals seeking access to mental healthcare services. METHODS: SEARCH uses a digital platform and school-based protocol for comprehensive assessment of the mental well-being of Chinese students in grades 4–12 incorporating individual, caregiver and teacher input, including capture of facial and acoustic features and response times, as well as mental well-being assessments. FINDINGS: We completed first wave data collection from nearly 20 000 participants (students, caregivers and teachers) at 11 schools, grades 4–12, in 3 cities in Jiangsu province in Southeast China from September 2022 to February 2023. We intend to conduct follow-up assessments for grades 4 through 12 at the 11 school sites every 6 months for 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: SEARCH will provide important insight into the developmental trajectory of mental well-being in Chinese children and adolescents. The study protocol does not simply focus on student self-report and incorporates caregiver and teacher viewpoints as well. It also collects objective indicators that may facilitate development of screening tools. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We believe future study findings will guide the development and implementation of school-based mental healthcare initiatives to improve the well-being of children and adolescents.