The study aims to examine the effects of providing omega-3 supplements on young offenders' antisocial behaviour. Participants will be randomized into three groups: (1) Omega-3, (2) Placebo and (3) Treatment as Usual. Self report and correctional officer ratings of behaviour will be assessed at 0 months (baseline), 3 months (end of supplementation), 6 months and 12 months. The investigators hypothesize that omega-3 supplementation will reduce antisocial behaviour among the young offenders.
This study follows up on two prior omega-3 supplementation Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) conducted on young offenders - one in the UK (Gesch et al. 2002) and the Netherlands (Zaalberg et al. 2009).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
181
1g of omega-3 supplement to be taken per day for a duration of 3 months in the form of a fruit juice drink
Fruit juice drink only
Young Offenders Intervention Programme
Change in Antisocial Behaviour (Aggression) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
Proactive and Reactive Aggression Questionnaire (23 items). Scale of 0 (Never), 1 (Sometimes) and 2 (Often). Total range: 0 (min) to 46 (max). Higher scores indicate higher levels of aggression. 2 subscales: proactive aggression (range: 0 to 22) and reactive aggression (range: 0 to 22). Total and subscale scores computed by summing up the respective items.
Time frame: 0 Months (baseline), 3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months
Change in Antisocial Behaviour (Conduct and Oppositional Defiance) at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months
Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Questionnaire (20 items). Scale of 0 (Never), 1 (Sometimes) and 2 (Often). Total range: 0 (min) to 40 (max). Higher scores indicate higher levels of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder and antisocial behaviour. 2 subscales: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (range: 0 to 16),Conduct Disorder (range: 0 to 24). Total and subscale scores are computed by summing up the respective items.
Time frame: 0 Months (baseline), 3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months
Schizotypal Personality
Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief. The questionnaire consist of 22 items, with participants providing responses in a binary (Yes / No) format. "Yes" is scored as a 1, while "No" is scored a 0, therefore the scale ranges from 0 (min) to 22 (max). Higher scores represent greater levels of schizotypal personality pattern. There are three subscales: interpersonal (range: 0 to 8), cognitive perceptual (range: 0 to 8) and disorganized (0 to 6). Both total and subscale scores are computed by summing up the respective items.
Time frame: 0 Months (baseline), 3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months
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