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ViewAttendees 5

Symposia

Suicide and Self-Injury

Suicide Prevention in Historically Underrepresented Groups: From Mechanisms to Implementation

4 - (SYM 114) STARS to Reduce Suicide Risk Among Emerging Adults Who Identify as a Member of the Sexual and Gender Minority Community

Sunday, November 17, 2024
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM EST
Location: Grand Ballroom F, Level 5, Downtown Marriott
Abstract Body

Emerging adults who identify as a member of the sexual and gender minority (EASGM) community are at significantly increased risk for suicide, yet there are no established evidence-based practices uniquely tailored to support this community. In this study, we used the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt a life-skills mobile app and peer mentorship intervention, iReach, for emerging adults (18-24 years old) who identified as a member of the EAGSM community and who reported past month suicidal ideation. Our STARS intervention was augmented with the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) and compared to SPI alone. In a Type 1 Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness study, we evaluated the impact on suicidal ideation, attempts, mechanisms of action (social support, positive affect, coping with discrimination) and implementation outcomes.



Methods: EAGSM who reported past month suicidal ideation (N = 64) were randomized to STARS or control and were assessed at baseline, 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale.



Results: Across all participants (N = 64), there was a significant reduction in suicidal ideation. Two participants remain in peer mentorship and therefore the blind on the study is currently intact. While we cannot yet break our blind on the STARS study, across all participants there was a mean reduction in the C-SSRS suicidal ideation subscale from 2.48 (active suicidal ideation and a method in mind, SD=1.01) at baseline to 20% lower at 1.54 (between passive and active suicidal ideation on average, SD = 0.96) at 2 months, which was retained at 4 months (M=1.67, SD=1.13), with trend toward indicating reduction maintenance at 6 months follow-up. Participants indicated feeling that intervention sessions were convenient (M=3.76, SD=.48). Retention in peer mentorship sessions was high, with 81% of participants completing all 6 peer mentorship sessions.



Discussion: This study demonstrates the promise of the STARS intervention as well as its feasibility and acceptability among emerging adults who identify as a member of the sexual and gender minority community. By the end of March 2024, all peer mentor sessions will be completed to allow unblinding and comparison of outcomes by experimental condition. The next direction of this research is to conduct a Type II Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness trial to compare the impact of the intervention and optimal implementation strategies.