Interactive intervention for safe firearm storage to prevent youth suicide
Safer Still (EP3)- An Interactive Intervention Adjunct to Traditional Care for Adolescents Who Are Discharged From Psychiatric Hospitals and Living in Households Where Firearms Are Stored Unsafely.
NA · Nationwide Children's Hospital · NCT06558409
This study is testing a new program to help parents safely store firearms at home to prevent youth suicide among teenagers who have recently left psychiatric hospitals.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nationwide Children's Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06558409 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and test the 'Safer Still' intervention, which promotes safe storage of firearms for adolescents aged 12-17 years discharged from psychiatric hospitals. The intervention will be implemented as an adjunct to traditional care, focusing on households where firearms are stored unsafely. The study will evaluate parental motivation to change firearm storage behavior and how this may mediate the intervention's effectiveness over three months. Additionally, it will explore variations in response based on the adolescent's history of suicide attempts and parental reasons for firearm ownership.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are parents or legal guardians of adolescents aged 12-17 who are receiving psychiatric care and have firearms stored unsafely at home.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to a digital device or cannot communicate in English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of suicide and suicidal behaviors in at-risk youth by promoting safer firearm storage practices.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using interactive interventions for firearm safety is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in addressing suicide prevention through behavioral change.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parent or legal guardian of an adolescent aged 12 to 17 years at time of consent * Have a child who is receiving psychiatric inpatient, crisis, or emergency treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital * Indicate that at least one firearm is located in or around the residence of the adolescent and is stored unlocked, loaded, or both unlocked and loaded. * Only one parent per household is permitted to participate to avoid contamination across the two study conditions. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to speak/read English * Lack access to a digital device (smartphone, iPad, tablet computer, desktop, laptop PC).
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations
- Nationwide Children's Hospital — Columbus, Ohio, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- Nationwide Children's Hospital Behavioral Health Pavillion — Columbus, Ohio, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeff Bridge, Ph.D. — Nationwide Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nikhitha Kakarala, MPH
- Email: nikhitha.kakarala@nationwidechildrens.org
- Phone: 614-722-3511
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Suicide Prevention, Firearms safety, Lethal means prevention, Safe storage of firearms and medication, Mobile application, Interactive intervention, Firearm storage behavior, Behavioral economics