Citation

Lindow JC, Hughes JL, South C, Gutierrez L, Bannister E, Trivedi MH, Byerly MJ. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2019.1624667

PMID

31159674

Abstract

Objective: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among US adolescents and rates of suicide among youth have been increasing for the past decade. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the universal, school-based Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program, a promising mental health promotion and suicidality primary prevention intervention, in US youth. Method: Using an uncontrolled design, the feasibility and acceptability of delivering and studying YAM were assessed in 5 Montana and 6 Texas schools. Results: Thirteen of 16 (81.3%) schools agreed to support YAM delivery. Facilitators delivered YAM in 78 classes (1878 students) as regular high school curriculum. Of the total number of students who received YAM, 519 (27.6%) provided parental consent and assent. 436 (84.0%) consented students participated in pre- and post-surveys. Students, parents, and school staff found YAM highly acceptable based on satisfaction surveys. Conclusions: This study found YAM feasible to implement in US schools.

RESULTS also suggest students, parents, and school staff supported school-based programs and were highly satisfied with the YAM program. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test the efficacy of YAM in promoting mental health and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in US adolescents.

Language: en

Keywords

YAM; Youth Aware of Mental Health; adolescents; feasibility; mental health promotion; suicide; suicide prevention intervention