Abstract
BackgroundConstruction workers are at elevated risk of suicide. MATES in Construction (MATES) is one of the few suicide prevention programs that explicitly address this problem. The MATES program includes an integrated system of services that supports prevention, early intervention and recovery (i.e., primary, secondary and tertiary prevention) for mental health problems among construction workers. In this protocol, we describe a proposed evaluation of MATESmobile, an electronic platform which will be accessed by workers who have undergone MATES training.Methods/designIn this protocol, we describe a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) which seeks to assess whether MATESmobile results in improved literacy regarding suicide prevention, and improved help-seeking and help-offering attitudes among those who have attended MATES training. Secondary outcomes include changes in suicide ideation, suicide attempt and psychological distress. Workers will be recruited prior to MATES face-to-face training. In total, 295 workers will be randomly assigned to the intervention condition (MATESmobile + face-to-face training) and 295 will be randomly allocated to the control (face-to-face training). The intervention will run for 8 weeks. Assessments will be run immediately post intervention, and at 3, 6, and 12 monthsDiscussionMATESmobile offers the potential to reinforce and enhance the effects of face-to-face training, resulting in greater skills and knowledge in suicide prevention, as well as a reduction in suicidality and distress.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000625178; 26 April 2019).
Highlights
Construction workers are at elevated risk of suicide
Mates in Construction (MATES) is one of the few workplace suicide prevention programs attempting to tackle the high burden of suicide in this occupational group
It is among the few workplace suicide prevention program for which there is any evidence of effectiveness [28]
Summary
Suicide among construction workers continues to be unacceptably high in Australia, as in many areas of the world. MATES is one of the few workplace suicide prevention programs attempting to tackle the high burden of suicide in this occupational group. Online and electronic interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing stigmatising attitudes towards depression [29], enhancing knowledge about evidencebased treatment, promoting help-seeking from family and friends [30], and improving knowledge about symptoms of depression and anxiety [31] Their effectiveness in enhancing knowledge about suicide prevention, suicide ideation, and self-harm is mixed [32]. Researchers acknowledge that online interventions are most effective when supported by strategies that: allow users to tailor activities to their context; reduce attrition; and promote ongoing use [33]. MATESmobile has a multitude of potential future applications and uses, including being a way of connecting and supporting men and women in the construction industry long term, and thereby creating a community of advocates for suicide prevention
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