Feasibility and Acceptability of the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) Intervention in US Adolescents

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among US adolescents, and rates of suicide among youth have been increasing for the past decade. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the universal, school-based Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program, a promising mental health promotion and suicide primary prevention intervention, in US youth. Using an uncontrolled design, the feasibility and acceptability of delivering and studying YAM were assessed in Montana and Texas schools. Thirteen of 16 (81.3%) schools agreed to support YAM delivery, and five Montana and 6 Texas schools were included in analyses. Facilitators delivered YAM in 78 classes (1,878 students) as regular high school curriculum. Of the total number of students who received YAM, 519 (27.6%) provided parental consent and assent. 436 (84.0%) consented students participated in pre- and post-surveys. Students, parents, and school staff found YAM highly acceptable based on satisfaction surveys. In summary, this study found YAM feasible to implement in US schools. Results also suggest students, parents, and school staff supported school-based programs and were highly satisfied with the YAM program. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test the efficacy of YAM in promoting mental health and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in US adolescents.

Keywords:

• Youth Aware of Mental Health
• YAM
• suicide prevention intervention
• adolescents
• mental health promotion
• suicide
• feasibility

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The study team is grateful to the participating schools’ administration, students, parents, and communities for their support of this study. The study team also appreciates the scientific guidance of Danuta Wasserman MD PhD, Camilla Wasserman PhD, Vladimir Carli MD PhD, as well as the efforts of all YAM facilitators.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Dr. Lindow, Dr. South, Ms. Bannister, and Dr. Byerly have no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest. Dr. Hughes and Mr. Gutierrez have served as Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) trainers and consultants/advisory board members for Mental Health in Mind International. Dr. Hughes receives royalties from Guilford Press. Dr. Trivedi serves, or has served, as a consultant/advisory board member for Alkeremes Inc., Akili Interactive, Allergan harmaceuticals, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ontario Brain Institute Canada, Brintellix Global, Global Medical Education, Healthcare Global Village, Lundbeck Research USA, Medscape LLC, MSI Methylation Sciences Inc., Nestle Health Science – Pamlab Inc., Naurex Inc., Navitor, One Carbon Therapeutics, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc., Saatchi, and Takeda Global Research in the past two years, and performs research activities for the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Johnson and Johnson, and Janssen Research and Development LLC.

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at publisher’s weblink.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by Montana state legislative funding (Montana Research & Economic Development Initiative [Byerly MJ PI]), Montana State University research funds, Montana INBRE [NIGMS P20GM103474], the Rees-Jones Foundation (Trivedi MH PI), and the UT Southwestern Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care. The funders of this research had no role in the study design, analysis, interpretation of results, or preparation of this article. The content is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of any of the funders.

Notes on contributors

Janet C. Lindow

Janet C. Lindow, Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Biomedical Research and Education Foundation of Southern Arizona, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Jennifer L. Hughes

Jennifer L. Hughes, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Charles South

Charles South, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Clinical Science, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Statistical Consulting Center, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Luis Gutierrez

Luis Gutierrez, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Elizabeth Bannister

Elizabeth Bannister, Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA.

Madhukar H. Trivedi

Madhukar H. Trivedi, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.

Matthew J. Byerly

Matthew J. Byerly, Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.