Evaluating a prevention program for suicidal behavior in at-risk adolescents

Evaluating Primary Suicide Prevention in Adolescents With Risk Factors

This study is testing a new program to help prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in at-risk teenagers, including those in detention or facing mental health challenges, to see if it works better than an art-based activity.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 240 (estimated)
• Ages: 14 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Lausanne (other)
• Locations: 19 sites (Geneva, Canton of Geneva and 18 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06551038 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to assess the effectiveness of a brief primary suicide prevention intervention specifically designed for vulnerable adolescents, including those in juvenile detention, at risk of school dropout, undergoing psychiatric treatment, or belonging to sexual or gender minorities. The study employs a randomized controlled trial methodology to compare the intervention against an art-based control intervention. The primary outcome measures include suicide awareness, psychological distress, and suicidal thoughts. By focusing on marginalized populations, the study addresses a significant gap in existing suicide prevention research.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 14 to 18 who are considered vulnerable due to their circumstances.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently enrolled in another suicide prevention intervention or whose acute psychiatric conditions may be exacerbated by participation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors among vulnerable adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been encouraging results in suicide prevention among general adolescent populations, this specific focus on vulnerable groups is relatively novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Vulnerable adolescents defined as being: 1) detained in juvenile detention centers, 2) disconnected from school, 3) in treatment for psychiatric disorders, 4) belonging to a sexual or gender minority, 5) affected by chronic conditions, or 6) with relational/familial problems.
* Age 14 to 25 years old.
* Good knowledge of French.
* Accepting to sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The medical/educational staff considers that the intervention will interfere with appropriate management of acute psychiatric disorder or may cause harm to self or other.
* Being enrolled in another suicide prevention intervention during the study period.

Where this trial is running

Geneva, Canton of Geneva and 18 other locations

• Dialogai et Totem — Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Programme ForMe (anciennement SEMO) et dispositif ProPULSE — Plan-les-Ouates, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Centre de Détention et d'Observation La Clairière — Vernier, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Programme Intégration et Formation Professionnelle — Vernier, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Agnodice — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Vogay — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Centre Thérapeutique de Jour pour Adolescents — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Unité de Soins Psychiatriques Fermée pour Mineurs — Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Établissement de Détention pour mineurs et jeunes adultes Les Léchaires — Palézieux, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Centre éducatif fermé de Pramont — Sierre, Valais, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• CAP Formations, Cité des Métiers — Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Unité de Liaison Ambulatoire et Hospitalière, Service de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, HUG — Geneva, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Foyers de Gilly — Grand-Lancy, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Foyer de Chailly — Lausanne, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Ren'Fort — Lausanne, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Foyer La Pommeraie — Lonay, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Service des Parcours Individualisé — Onex, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Le Repuis — Petit Lancy, Switzerland (RECRUITING)
• Astural, Parcours A2mains — Thônex, Switzerland (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stéphanie Baggio, Prof. — Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern
• Study coordinator: Stéphanie Baggio, Prof.

Conditions: Suicide Prevention, Suicide, Primary prevention, Vulnerable adolescents, Psychological distress