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Published in: Trials 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Study protocol

The effectiveness of a suicide prevention app for indigenous Australian youths: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Fiona L Shand, Rebecca Ridani, Joe Tighe, Helen Christensen

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Indigenous Australian youth (aged 15 to 34) have up to four times the risk of suicide compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts. Barriers to help-seeking include shame, feared loss of autonomy and negative attitudes towards healthcare providers. The use of mobile devices and apps continues to rise amongst young people, thus presenting opportunities to utilize these aids in overcoming help-seeking barriers. Apps have been shown to assist in several health-related areas, including weight loss and smoking cessation, although no apps have as yet been evaluated for suicide prevention. Moreover, there is a lack of research that scientifically evaluates suicide prevention interventions within Indigenous communities.

Methods/Design

In this study, a recently developed self-help app will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention is based on acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy. It is aimed at participants who have suicidal thoughts but who are not actively suicidal. In total, 150 participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention-condition (N = 75) or to the wait-list control condition (N = 75). Questionnaires will be completed at baseline, post-test and 6 weeks follow-up. The primary outcome measure is a reduction in frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts. Secondary outcome measures are the reduction of depression, anxiety and impulsivity.

Discussion

This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help app for suicidal thoughts amongst young Indigenous people. Several limitations and strengths of the design are discussed.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12613000104​752.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The effectiveness of a suicide prevention app for indigenous Australian youths: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Fiona L Shand
Rebecca Ridani
Joe Tighe
Helen Christensen
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-14-396

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