The relationship between an electronic mental health stigma campaign and suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a two-arm randomized controlled trial in the Australian construction industry

Abstract Males employed in the construction industry are at greater risk of suicide than other employed males. It is plausible that a high level of stigma against mental health problems explains the elevated rates of suicide among this group. This study sought to test the effectiveness of an electro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health promotion international 2020-06, Vol.35 (3), p.478-485
Main Authors: Milner, A, Aitken, Z, Law, P C F, LaMontagne, A D, Mann, C, Cooper, T, Witt, K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Construction Industry
Health Promotion - methods
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Smartphone
Social Stigma
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide - prevention & control
Suicide, Attempted - prevention & control
Suicide, Attempted - psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Victoria
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Summary:Abstract Males employed in the construction industry are at greater risk of suicide than other employed males. It is plausible that a high level of stigma against mental health problems explains the elevated rates of suicide among this group. This study sought to test the effectiveness of an electronic mental health stigma intervention on suicide ideation, communication about suicide and attempts. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a series of brief contact interventions over a 6-week period or a wait list control. Suicidal ideation, communication about suicide and suicide attempts were assessed using the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised at post-intervention. We used linear regression to assess effectiveness at post-intervention, adjusting for relevant covariates using both conventional methods and a propensity score approach. Results indicate that the intervention had no significant impact on suicidal thoughts, communication or suicide attempts. There was some indication that individuals in the intervention group reported a slight increase in attempts and communication about suicide. These observations underscore an urgent need for more research to understand the complex and nuanced relationship between stigma and suicide in non-clinical populations.
ISSN:1460-2245
1460-2245
DOI:10.1093/heapro/daz034