Study to Support Suicide Intervention Officers in the Connecticut Army National Guard and Reduce Suicide Risk Among Soldiers

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on Suicide Intervention Officers SIOs within the Connecticut Army National Guard, who provide education and support to reduce suicide risk among soldiers. The study aims to understand how best to support these officers and whether enhanced support can lower suicide ideation and attempts in their units. The study involves collecting feedback from soldiers, families, leadership, and SIOs to guide the intervention design. The trial compares two approaches to supporting SIOs. One group receives a mandated training called the Risk Reduction Group Control, while the other, called the Army-SPRING Group, participates in a community with additional training, online forums, consultation, and support in leading suicide prevention activities. Chaplains and religious affairs specialists also receive the Army-SPRING training but are not randomized. The study period includes 6 months of preparatory work and up to 4 years of follow-up. Participants will be monitored for their involvement in suicide prevention activities and interactions discussing suicide risk. Outcomes measured include the reach of interventions, adoption, implementation, and acceptability of the support strategies, as well as rates of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among soldiers. Data collection will occur weekly and over one to two years, including qualitative interviews. The study intends to improve confidence and effectiveness in suicide prevention among military personnel.

Army-SPRING Army-Suicide Prevention Research