Collecting genetic samples and linked mental health data from adolescents in schools: Protocol co-production and a mixed-methods pilot of feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Warne Naomi , Rook Sarah , Bevan-Jones Rhys , Brown Rachel , Bates Lesley , Hopkins-Jones Lucinda , Evans Alexandra , Hall Jeremy , Langley Kate , Thapar Anita , Walters James , Murphy Simon , Moore Graham , Rice Frances , Collishaw Stephan 
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To co-produce a school-based protocol and examine acceptability and feasibility of collecting saliva samples for genetic studies from secondary/high school students for the purpose of mental health research.

Design

Protocol co-production and mixed-methods feasibility pilot.

Setting

Secondary schools in Wales, UK.

Participants

Students aged 11-13 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Co-produced research protocol including an interactive science workshop delivered in schools; school, parental and student recruitment rates; adherence to protocol and adverse events; ability to extract and genotype saliva samples; student enjoyment of the science workshop; and qualitative analysis of teacher focus groups on acceptability and feasibility.

Results

Five secondary schools participated in the co-production phase, and three of these took part in the research study (eligible sample n=868 students). Four further schools were subsequently approached, but none participated. Parental opt-in consent was received from 98 parents (11.3% eligible sample), three parents (0.3%) actively refused and responses were not received for 767 (88.4%) parents. We obtained saliva samples plus consent for data linkage for 79 students. Only one sample was of insufficient quality to be genotyped. The science workshop received positive feedback from students. Feedback from teachers showed that undertaking research like this in schools is viewed as acceptable in principle, potentially feasible, but that there are important procedural barriers to be overcome. Key recommendations include establishing close working relationships between the research team and school classroom staff, together with improved methods for communicating with and engaging parents.

Conclusions

There are major challenges to undertaking large scale genetic mental health research in secondary schools. Such research may be acceptable in principle, and in practice DNA collected from saliva in classrooms is of sufficient quality. However, key challenges that must be overcome include ensuring representative recruitment of schools and sufficient parental engagement where opt-in parental consent is required.

Article Summary

Strengths and limitations of this study

This is the first study to test the feasibility and acceptability of collecting genetic samples in secondary schools and obtaining consent for linkage to questionnaire and record-based mental health data.

A key strength is co-production of the research protocol with stakeholders (young people, parents/guardians, schools).

We used a mixed-methods approach to assess the feasibility and acceptability of carrying out genetic research studies of mental health in schools.

This pilot study was conducted in three mainstream secondary schools in Wales, UK so it is unclear whether findings are transferrable to a wider section of schools in Wales and other countries, education systems and age groups.

It was not possible to collect data on the reasons for return or non-return of parental consent.