Research protocol for a digital intervention to reduce stigma among males with a personal experience of suicide in the Australian farming community. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kennedy, Alison; Versace, Vincent; Brumby, Susan
• Is Part Of: BMC public health. Volume 16:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Stigma -- Suicide -- Mental health -- Farmer health -- Rural health -- Digital intervention -- Men -- Mixed method research -- Australia; Public health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3874-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2458

Abstract

Abstract Background Australian farming communities have up to twice the suicide rate of the general population. Men, particularly, demonstrate debilitating self- and perceived-stigma associated with an experience of suicide. The Ripple Effect is aimed to reduce suicide stigma within the social, cultural, geographical and psychological contexts in which it occurs. Methods A mixed-method design with multi-level evaluation will be effected following the development and delivery of a personalised website experience (combining shared stories, education, personal goal setting and links to resources) to farming men, aged 30–64 years, with an experience of suicide. Pre- and post-surveys will be used to assess changes in self- and perceived-stigma and suicide literacy. Online feedback from participants and semi-structured interviews during follow-up will be thematically analysed. Discussion This project will provide information about increasingly accessible, innovative approaches to reducing the debilitating health and wellbeing effects of suicide stigma on a population of Australia's farmers. Trial registration This research protocol was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) (ACTRN:ACTRN12616000289415 ) on 7th March, 2016.