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Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Study protocol

Research protocol for a digital intervention to reduce stigma among males with a personal experience of suicide in the Australian farming community

Authors: Alison J. Kennedy, Vincent Lawrence Versace, Susan A. Brumby

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Australian farming communities have up to twice the suicide rate of the general population. Men, particularly, demonstrate debilitating self- and perceived-stigma associated with an experience of suicide. The Ripple Effect is aimed to reduce suicide stigma within the social, cultural, geographical and psychological contexts in which it occurs.

Methods

A mixed-method design with multi-level evaluation will be effected following the development and delivery of a personalised website experience (combining shared stories, education, personal goal setting and links to resources) to farming men, aged 30–64 years, with an experience of suicide. Pre- and post-surveys will be used to assess changes in self- and perceived-stigma and suicide literacy. Online feedback from participants and semi-structured interviews during follow-up will be thematically analysed.

Discussion

This project will provide information about increasingly accessible, innovative approaches to reducing the debilitating health and wellbeing effects of suicide stigma on a population of Australia’s farmers.

Trial registration

This research protocol was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN: ACTRN12616000289​415) on 7th March, 2016.
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Metadata
Title
Research protocol for a digital intervention to reduce stigma among males with a personal experience of suicide in the Australian farming community
Authors
Alison J. Kennedy
Vincent Lawrence Versace
Susan A. Brumby
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3874-3

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