Program to reduce suicide risk in urban Native youth

Collaborative Hub to Reduce the Burden of Suicide Among Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Young Adults

This study is testing whether sending caring text messages can help reduce suicide risk in urban Native youth compared to usual care.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 698 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 34 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• Trial ID: NCT03136094 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a program designed to detect and manage suicide risk among American Indian and Alaska Native youth by comparing the effectiveness of caring text messages with usual care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either supportive text messages aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts and increasing resilience or standard care without these messages. The approach integrates Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to treatment (SBIRT) within primary care settings, leveraging mobile technology to enhance social connectedness and engagement. The ultimate goal is to translate findings into effective policies and practices that address suicide-related health disparities in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are American Indian or Alaska Native youth who are at risk for suicidality and have access to a text-enabled mobile phone.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those in imminent danger of self-harm will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts among at-risk urban Native youth.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for mental health interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Self-identify as American Indian or Alaska Native;
* Screen positive for mild, moderate, or severe risk of suicidality (referred by a clinical provider);
* Have a text-enabled mobile phone;
* Willing to be contacted by text;
* Able to participate voluntarily;
* Speak and read English;
* Cognitively able to independently provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under age 18
* In danger of imminent self-harm;
* Hospitalized

Where this trial is running

Albuquerque, New Mexico

• First Nations Community HealthSource — Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Spero Manson, PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
• Study coordinator: Erin Poole, MS

Conditions Suicide Prevention; American Indian; Alaska Native; Youth and Young Adult; SBIRT