Abstract

BackgroundMental health disorders are one of the leading causes of illness globally. The importance of psychosocial skills acquired in early childhood, such as executive functions, inhibitory control, emotional regulation, and social problem-solving, in preventing mental disorders has been reported. Furthermore, mental health care delivery is evolving, and mobile technology is becoming the medium for assessment and intervention. We have developed Japi 2.0, the second iteration of a gaming platform, to stimulate cognitive and non-cognitive skills in early childhood, supported by early years educators using a web-based dashboard integrated into one system. This study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of this gaming platform and web-based dashboards.MethodsThis is a pilot randomized controlled trial, parallel-group type, where the school-based implementation of "Japi 2.0" training is compared to standard school curricula in control schools. A total of six schools with low socio-economic status located in the city of Santiago, Chile, are expected to be recruited and randomized with 1:1 allocation. Japi 2.0 has 24 sessions, and 2 sessions of 15 min per week are delivered for 12 weeks. Measures will be conducted using different instruments with children, parents, and early years educators to gain insight into their acceptance of the intervention and the development of cognitive and non-cognitive skills.DiscussionThis is a randomized control trial to assess the acceptability and feasibility of a gaming platform called "Japi 2.0" among preschoolers in Chile. This platform stimulates cognitive and non-cognitive skills with the final objective of reducing emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood. Evaluating the acceptability and feasibility of this technological solution for children is expected to produce relevant information about these novel designs. It may help guide future studies, such as a randomized controlled trial on a larger scale.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT06420544, May 20, 2024 [https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06420544].