Public messaging to encourage Veterans at risk for suicide to seek treatment
Public Messaging to Increase Treatment Seeking Among Veterans at Risk for Suicide During Transition From Military Service
This study is trying out new messages sent through a smartphone app to encourage Veterans at risk for suicide to seek mental health treatment after leaving the military.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 420 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Canandaigua, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT04784663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop and test public messaging strategies to increase treatment-seeking behavior among Veterans at risk for suicide who are resistant to mental health care after transitioning from military service. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, the research will first conduct individual interviews to design effective messages based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. These messages will then be tested in a randomized controlled trial, where participants will receive messaging through a smartphone app. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at 1 and 3 months post-randomization to evaluate the effectiveness of the messaging intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are U.S. Veterans who have separated from military service in the past 12 months, are over 18 years old, and are experiencing suicidal ideation with low intent to seek help.
Not a fit: Patients currently in formal mental health treatment or those who are institutionalized may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the rates of treatment-seeking among Veterans at risk for suicide, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, previous studies have shown that targeted messaging can effectively influence health-seeking behaviors in various populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * U.S. Veteran that separated from military service in the past 12 months (any discharge type); * \>18 years old; * experiencing suicidal ideation; * low intent to seek help; * capable of understanding the goals of the study; * willing and able to provide verbal consent; and 7) smartphone ownership and willing to download/use study mobile app Exclusion Criteria: * currently (or in the past 12 months) in formal mental health treatment services; * deemed impaired during eligibility screening; and 3) currently institutionalized
Where this trial is running
Canandaigua, New York
- VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY — Canandaigua, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth Karras-Pilato, PhD — VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth Karras-Pilato, PhD
- Email: Elizabeth.Karras-Pilato@va.gov
- Phone: (585) 393-7285
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.