(PS9-48) Community-based Implementation of Safety Planning Intervention for Suicide Prevention with Survivors of Human Trafficking in Philippines

Research objectives: Suicide ideation and suicide attempts are common among survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, due to stigma and cultural norms around disclosure around suicide, there are systemic barriers in place for front line health workers in Southeast Asia. However, most providers in the anti-trafficking sector do not have a mental health background and do not have training in trauma-informed or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) evidence-based suicide prevention. The current study culturally-adapted and piloted a safety planning intervention for suicide prevention (SPI) for non-mental health front-line providers working with survivors of human trafficking in the Phillippines.

 

Study method: First, the study adapted SPI for suicide prevention through community engagement with local mental health providers and cultural experts. Next, non-mental health specialists working with survivors in the anti-trafficking sector in the Philippines received an interactive, multi-model training on SPI. Lastly, a qualitative study within focus groups (N=20) was conducted post-training with non-specialists as they piloted SPI with survivors of human trafficking. Qualitative data analysis occurred using NVivo qualitative software and the transcripts were recorded verbatim, translated, coded, and analyzed.

Summary of study findings: Findings suggest the acceptability and feasibility of psychoeducational training non-specialist in SPI for survivors of human trafficking. Specifically, non-specialist staff felt more confident in the procedures of how to handle a suicide disclosure as well as reduced stigma and distress around handling a case with suicide ideation disclosure. Finally SPI for mental health emergency care is critical, but is unable to fully meet the complex mental health needs of survivors of human trafficking due to systemic barriers (e.g. dearth of providers and specifically those trained in evidence-based treatments).

 

Conclusion:   An evidence-based practice of safety planning for suicide prevention can be contextually-adapted and is feasible for implementation for non-specialists working with survivors of human trafficking. Successful implementation should be accompanied by key strategies, including stigma reduction and extended training and supervision.