THE GUIDE: Transforming Health for Young Adults Using Interventions to Drive Engagement

Boston Children'S Hospital, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Suicide is a top 10 cause of death in the U.S. and the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Access to knowledgeable healthcare providers, family support, and community support are critical determinants of mental health, yet many young adults lack access to mental health care, and interventions to improve family and community support do not exist at scale. This study aims to reduce suicidal behaviors among young adults through a multifactorial intervention that increases access to trained providers, caregiver support, and community connection. The first intervention component consists of a provider training and support program focused on addressing mental health problems among young adults. The second intervention component is an innovative digital platform for young adults and their caregivers. The digital platform provides expert-generated knowledge via educational modules and uses interactive features to promote communication and strengthen relationships between young adults and caregivers. A Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework will be used to optimize the platform for testing in a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial with an Immediate Arm (upfront access) and Deferred Arm (access at 6 months). The intervention period for each Arm will last 6 months, followed by an observation period of up to 12 months with continued access. Using validated subscales, we will assess changes in the proportion of individuals reporting suicidal ideation in the prior three months (primary outcome) and in psychological distress and anxiety, caregiver support, and health care empowerment (secondary outcomes), as well as dose effects, heterogeneity of treatment effects across groups, and within-group resilience factors. This innovative, multi-level intervention fulfills a significant unmet need for near-term and sustainable solutions to reduce suicidality and improve mental health outcomes among young adults in the U.S.