Harnessing culturally-appropriate, technology-assisted methods to advance suicide prevention among youth in Colombian school settings

Harnessing culturally-appropriate, technology-assisted methods to advance suicide prevention among youth in Colombian school settings PROJECT SUMMARY This study will investigate a multi-level approach that leverages innovative, culturally appropriate 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 leverage school settings and technology- assisted methods to reduce gaps in access to evidence-based suicide prevention interventions in a low- and

middle- income country. The open-access digital platform was developed through a co-design process with Colombian youth to ensure that it was culturally appropriate, engaging, and easy to use. 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. The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment

(EPIS) framework, a broad multilevel, context-sensitive implementation science model, will guide the study. A hybrid-type 1 implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge pilot trial design will allow for evaluation of the digital platform and hybrid mental health teacher training program implemented within secondary schools in

Bogota, Colombia. Study aims are to: Aim 1. Conduct an initial needs assessment with key stakeholders (youth, teachers, caregivers, school administrators) to identify implementation barriers and facilitators. A mixed methods evaluation will guide co- creation of a tailored implementation blueprint prior to the implementation phase. User-centered design

methods will be used to refine the digital platform and incorporate end-user feedback into the final prototype. Aim 2. Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary effects of the digital platform implemented within school settings (N=3) in reducing SIB and improving mood (e.g., anxiety/depression)

among Colombian youth aged 14-19 (N=150) via a mixed methods approach. Safety planning skills acquisition (youth-level) and linkages to mental health services (service-level) will be assessed as mechanisms of change. Aim 3. Implement 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. Engaging with the Bogota

Mayor’s Office and community advisors will help to better disseminate research findings to key stakeholders.