Abstract
BackgroundYouth suicide is a global public health issue, and using technology is one strategy to increase participation in preventive interventions. However, there is minimal knowledge on how technology-enhanced interventions for youth correspond to the stages of care, from illness or risk recognition to treatment follow-up.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of technology-enhanced youth suicide prevention and interventions across the continuum of care.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched up to spring 2019 for youth suicide preventive interventions that used technology. The review was not restricted by study design and eligible studies could report outcomes on suicidality or related behaviors, such as formal treatment initiation. An adapted version of the Methodological Quality Ratings Scale was used to assess study quality.ResultsA total of 26 studies were identified. The findings support the emerging efficacy of technology-enhanced interventions, including a decline in suicidality and an increase in proactive behaviors. However, evidence suggests that there are gaps in the continuum of care and recent study samples do not represent the diverse identities of vulnerable youth.ConclusionsThe majority of identified studies were conducted in school settings and were universal interventions that aligned with the illness and risk recognition and help-seeking stages of the continuum of care. This field could be strengthened by having future studies target the stages of assessment and treatment initiation, include diverse youth demographics, and examine the varying roles of providers and technological components in emerging interventions.
Highlights
Youth suicide is a global public health crisis
The majority of identified studies were conducted in school settings and were universal interventions that aligned with the illness and risk recognition and help-seeking stages of the continuum of care
There is an incomplete understanding of the breadth and efficacy of preventive interventions that use technology and serve youth at risk of suicide. To address these gaps in the literature, this systematic review aims to examine the efficacy of technology-enhanced youth suicide prevention and interventions across the continuum of care
Summary
Background Youth suicide is a global public health crisis. In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death for children and youth aged 10-24 years [1]. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youths aged 15-19 years [2]. Research suggests that the risk of youth suicide may even be more pervasive as many youths experience suicidal ideation and nonfatal suicidal behaviors [4]. Youth suicide is a global public health issue, and using technology is one strategy to increase participation in preventive interventions. There is minimal knowledge on how technology-enhanced interventions for youth correspond to the stages of care, from illness or risk recognition to treatment follow-up
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