Technology-assisted Methods to Advance Suicide Prevention Among Youth in Colombia

Summary

This study will investigate a multi-level approach that applies technology-assisted methods to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SIB) and promote mental health among Colombian youth: (a) digital platform for youth; (b) digital platform for teachers; and (c) hybrid mental health training diploma program for teachers. This approach will evaluate an open-access digital platform for suicide prevention among Colombian youth. Key features of the digital platform include mental health self-help tools, a customizable safety plan, links to online counseling services, and gamification elements. The digital platform's teacher interface will incorporate psychoeducation, brief suicide-risk screening and decision support tools to enhance teacher capacity to assess risk for suicide and refer youth to the appropriate level of services.

Study investigators will conduct a hybrid-type 1 implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge pilot trial design to evaluate the digital platform and hybrid mental health teacher training program implemented within secondary schools in Bogota, Colombia. Study aims are to:

Aim 1. An initial needs assessment will be conducted with key stakeholders (youth, teachers, caregivers, school administrators) to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of the multi-level approach. User-centered design methods will be used to refine the digital platform and incorporate end-user feedback into the final prototype.

Aim 2. Investigators will evaluate: (a) feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the digital platform across three schools in Colombia; and (b) the preliminary effects of the digital platform in reducing SIB and improving mood (e.g., anxiety/depression) among Colombian youth aged 14-19 attending the three schools. Safety planning skills acquisition (youth-level) and linkages to mental health services (service-level) will be assessed as potential mechanisms of change.

Aim 3. The study will apply a multi-disciplinary capacity building model to strengthen behavioral health and implementation science research, healthcare delivery capacity, and mental health policy. In partnership with Pontificia Javeriana University, experts in suicide prevention, data science, and implementation science will be engaged to build in-country research capacity at the individual and institutional level.

Conditions

• Suicidal Ideations
• Suicidal Behaviors
• Depression, Anxiety
• Well-being

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Digital Platform Intervention

Key features of the digital platform include mental health self-help tools, a customizable safety plan, links to online counseling services, and gamification elements. Youth will be able to access the digital platform as often as they like during their assigned 3-month intervention period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• Brown University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Alethea Desrosiers · Brown University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

SEQUENTIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

19 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-05-12

Primary Completion

2027-12-15

Completion

2028-05-31

Countries

• Colombia

Study Locations