Improving cultural-social engagement to reduce suicide risk in Spanish-speaking adults

Culture and Well-Being for Latinos: Study Protocol for Cultural-Social Engagement and Suicide Among Hispanics (K23MH125078)

This study is testing a new program called S-ENGAGE to see if it can help Spanish-speaking adults at risk for suicide by boosting their social connections and reducing their risk.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 65 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Rochester (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Rochester, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT05244733 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on enhancing cultural-social engagement among Spanish-speaking adults at risk for suicide through a program called SOCIAL-ENGAGE (S-ENGAGE). Initially, the program will be optimized using human-centered design approaches with a small group of participants, followed by a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 60 individuals. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of S-ENGAGE in increasing social engagement and decreasing suicide risk in this population. The ultimate goal is to establish S-ENGAGE as a viable suicide prevention program for Hispanic individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18 and older who primarily speak Spanish and exhibit low cultural-social engagement along with elevated suicide risk.

Not a fit: Patients with medical or psychiatric conditions that impair their ability to consent or participate in the program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicide risk and improve overall well-being among Spanish-speaking adults.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies targeting cultural engagement and mental health in minority populations have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Identify as Hispanic/Latino adult (age 18+);
* Primary Spanish-Speaker;
* Patient in the UR health system;
* Low cultural-social engagement (i.e., score ≤ 2 on the adapted Berkman-Syme Social Network Index);
* Elevated suicide risk (i.e., presence of passive or active suicide ideation in the past month on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale \[C-SSRS\]).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical or psychiatric comorbidities that impair ability to consent (e.g., active psychotic or manic episode, cognitive impairment).

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York

• University of Rochester Medical Center — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Caroline Silva, PhD

Conditions Social Isolation; Loneliness; Suicidal Ideation