The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66279

Robert H. Aseltine, PhD, Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, MC 3910, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030-3910, 860 679-3282, aseltine@uchc.edu

Overview. Suicide among young people is one of the most serious public health problems facing the United States. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate for youth and young adults aged 15-24 has tripled since 1950, and suicide is now the third leading cause of death in this age group. In response to this problem, a number of diverse approaches to suicide prevention have been introduced into high school curricula in the past 15 years. Few, however, have been subjected to rigorous evaluation, and those that have been scientifically evaluated have produced mixed results. This study examined the effectiveness of the Signs Of Suicide prevention program in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior among high school students. Methods. 2100 students in five high schools in Columbus, Georgia and Hartford, Connecticut were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students in both groups approximately 3 months after program implementation. Results. Significantly lower rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and greater knowledge and more adaptive attitudes about depression and suicide were observed among students in the intervention group. Changes in knowledge and attitudes partially explained the beneficial effects of the program on suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Conclusions. SOS is the first school-based suicide prevention program to demonstrate significant reductions in suicide attempts in a study utilizing a randomized control group design.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn the results of a study evaluating the efficacy of a new school-based suicide prevention program. At the end of this session partcipants will be able to:
• Identify the components of effective suicide prevention programs for high school students.
• Articulate the strengths/weaknesses of particular research designs for the evaluation of prevention programs.

Keywords: Suicide, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Consultant