A web-based video messaging intervention for suicide prevention in men: study protocol for a five-armed randomised
Jin Han1,2, Aimy Slade1, Hiroko Fujimoto1
1Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Trials
|July 9, 2024
Summary
This study tested a brief online video intervention to encourage men with suicidal thoughts to use mental health services. The intervention aims to improve engagement with support services for this at-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health Interventions
- Digital Health
Background:
- Over 50% of suicide deaths involve individuals not in contact with mental health services.
- Men are less likely to engage with mental health services than women, particularly those with suicidal thoughts.
- Existing men's mental health services in Australia have low engagement rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a brief online video-based messaging intervention.
- To encourage men with suicidal thoughts/behaviours to engage with existing support services.
- To assess the effectiveness of digital interventions for hard-to-reach populations.
Main Methods:
- A five-arm randomized controlled trial involving 380 men aged 18+ with suicidal thoughts.
- Participants were recruited online and assigned to watch one of five video messages.
- Primary outcome: help-seeking behavior (clicking a support service link); Secondary outcomes: intentions and self-reported service use.
Main Results:
- The study is the first to evaluate this specific intervention.
- Results will indicate if video messaging effectively promotes help-seeking in men.
- Discrete Choice Experiment will identify valued aspects of support services.
Conclusions:
- This intervention offers a potentially scalable and cost-effective approach.
- Successful implementation could improve mental health service engagement for at-risk men.
- Findings will inform future digital mental health strategies for men.
