Firearm Safety Interventions for Suicide Prevention
(FSN Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if two types of counseling sessions can improve home safety by promoting safer gun and medication storage. It targets families primarily in Northwest Alaska, especially those concerned about someone in their home being at risk of suicide. Participants may be assigned to either a motivational interview session or a scripted session, both focusing on reducing access to lethal means (FSN Intervention). Those not concerned about mental health risks will join a general gun safety session. The trial seeks adults who live in a household with at least one gun, understand English, have a phone for texts, and have young people present.
As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important safety research that could benefit the community.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on firearm safety and does not mention medication changes.
What prior data suggests that the Family Safety Net intervention is safe for improving home safety?
Research has shown that the Family Safety Net (FSN) program aims to reduce youth firearm suicides by improving safety practices at home. Supported by the National Institutes of Health, the FSN program encourages the secure storage of firearms and medications to make homes safer.
While past studies have not provided specific data on negative effects or safety issues with the FSN program, it is important to note that the program is primarily educational and supportive. It uses motivational talks and planned sessions to promote safe practices, rather than introducing new drugs or medical procedures. This focus on providing information and resources suggests the program is likely to be well-received.
Participants in the FSN program receive tools like trigger locks and ammo boxes, along with regular follow-up support through text messages. This approach aims to help families practice safety without causing harm, indicating a strong safety record.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it aims to tackle suicide prevention through innovative firearm safety interventions. Unlike traditional mental health treatments that primarily focus on therapy or medication, these interventions directly address the accessibility of lethal means in households. The trial explores different methods, like motivational interviewing and scripted interventions, to encourage families to implement firearm safety measures. This approach is unique as it integrates mental health support with practical safety practices, potentially reducing the immediate risk of suicide in vulnerable households.
What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for improving firearm safety and reducing suicide risk?
This trial will compare different approaches to firearm safety interventions for suicide prevention. Research has shown that programs like the Family Safety Net (FSN), which focus on reducing access to dangerous items, can help prevent suicides. Participants in this trial may be assigned to the FSN Lethal Means Reduction arm, which includes interventions like the MI FSN or Scripted FSN. Studies have found that discussing safe firearm storage can lead to better safety habits. In one study, almost 61% of participants found the program helpful, indicating it might change behavior. Additionally, limiting access to dangerous items during risky times is linked to a lower chance of suicide. These findings suggest that FSN programs could make homes safer and lower the risk of suicide by promoting safer firearm storage methods.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Lisa M Wexler, PhD, MSW
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who have lived in Northwest Alaska for at least 5 years, can read and understand English, live with a gun in the house, have a text-capable phone, and where young people are present. It excludes households that already participated.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Survey and Intervention
Participants complete a baseline survey and are assigned to one of the intervention groups based on their responses. They participate in either a motivational interviewing session or a scripted session focused on firearm safety.
Text Message Follow-up
Participants receive 4 weeks of tailored text message reminders and encouragement related to firearm safety and mental health support.
Follow-up Survey and Interview
Participants complete a follow-up survey and are invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to assess satisfaction and perceptions of the program.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Comparison
- FSN Intervention
- General Firearm Comparison - General Firearm Safety
- General Firearm Safety Intervention - General Firearm Safety
- MI FSN - Lethal Means Reduction
- Scripted FSN - Lethal Means Reduction
Trial Overview
The study tests two versions of the Family Safety Net (FSN) intervention on firearm safety: one using motivational interviewing and another using scripted education. Both aim to improve home safety by keeping firearms unloaded, locked away, and separate from ammunition.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
\* Participants will be screened into the lethal-means reduction-focused FSN program if they answer "yes" to one or more of the following questions: 1. In the past two months, has anyone in your household been going through a rough time? 2. In the past two months, has someone in your home seemed down, sad, or depressed? 3. Are you worried that someone in your home is at risk of suicide? Participants are then assigned to either the MI FSN intervention or the Scripted FSN intervention
General Firearm Safety \* Participants will be screened into the general firearm safety arm of the program if they do not answer "yes" to any of the following questions: 1. In the past two months, has anyone in your household been going through a rough time? 2. In the past two months, has someone in your home seemed down, sad, or depressed? 3. Are you worried that someone in your home is at risk of suicide? Participants are then assigned to either the General Firearm Safety Intervention or General Firearm Comparison
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
Maniilaq Association
Collaborator
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Family Safety Net - Aim 3: Randomized Control Trial (FSN)
Participate in a 15-minute conversation about lethal means reduction in their home, emphasizing that 10-minutes can save a life - the conversation includes ...
Firearm Safety Interventions for Suicide Prevention (FSN ...
The SAFER intervention was implemented successfully at 18 community events, reaching 1175 participants, with 61% finding it highly valuable, indicating its ...
Evaluating a Lethal Means Safety Intervention to Reduce ...
The purpose of this paper is to examine a scalable secure firearm storage intervention in the US National Guard (NG) in preventing firearm injury and suicide.
Youth Suicide Prevention in the Emergency Department
Implementation of lethal means counseling in the ED has been shown to be both feasible and efficacious. In this piece, we discuss the need for suicide.
Lethal Means Safety and Suicide Prevention
Individuals who reduce their access to lethal means during times of heightened risk are reducing their risk of dying by suicide. Review the facts on the LMS ...
Community-Based Suicide Prevention - NCBI - NIH
NIH funded the University of Michigan (2020–2024) to develop and implement the Family Safety Net (FSN) intervention to reduce youth firearm suicides.
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aging.networkofcare.org
aging.networkofcare.org/sanmateo/CommunityResources/ClinicalTrials/Detail/NCT05657119?keyword=%22Suicide%20Prevention%22Family Safety Net - Aim 3: Randomized Control Trial
The primary goal of this parallel-group clinical trial is to test the Family Safety Net (FSN) intervention in a primarily Alaska Native population in NW Alaska.
2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
to develop and implement the Family Safety Net (FSN) intervention to reduce youth firearm suicides. FSN builds on Alaskan family values to ...
Journal of Rural Mental Health - APA PsycNet
Such preventative action can reduce youth access to a very lethal means, firearms, and thus lessen suicide risk. By engaging all adult members of a ...
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