Zero Self-Harm app: a mobile phone application to reduce non-suicidal self-injury-study protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Digital Health
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant and growing public health concern.
• Individuals with NSSI face heightened risks of suicidality and often delay seeking help due to stigma.
• Mobile health interventions show promise in reducing self-harm behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Zero Self-Harm mobile application in reducing NSSI episodes.
• To assess the impact of the app on suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.
• To explore the potential of a privately and anonymously usable app to support individuals with NSSI.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month, 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized clinical superiority trial involving 280 participants.
• The intervention group received the Zero Self-Harm app, while the control group was waitlisted.
• Data collected via questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, with the primary outcome measured by the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the number of NSSI episodes at 6-month follow-up.
• Secondary outcomes include changes in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.
• The trial is designed to determine if the app leads to a statistically significant reduction in NSSI episodes compared to the waitlist control.

Conclusions:

• The trial will determine the efficacy of the Zero Self-Harm intervention for reducing NSSI episodes.
• The app, developed with user input, focuses on harm reduction and may be an acceptable support option due to its private and anonymous nature.
• If effective, the Zero Self-Harm app could provide valuable support to a large population affected by NSSI.