Giving LIFE a chance
Project type: |
Research Project
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Objectives: |
To reduce the prevalence of suicide and attempted suicide in the indigenous Embera community of Chocó, Colombia |
Brief description: |
Development of a culturally appropriate psychosocial intervention to address mental health symptoms associated with suicidal thoughts and/or behaviour |
Project status: |
Ongoing
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Social: |
Summary
Innovation summary
Native minority communities of Embera ethnic origin who live in Alto Baudó, Chocó, Colombia have limited engagement in national health systems, face high levels of violence, displacement and rapid culture change leading to adverse mental health consequences, including increased rates of suicides and attempted suicides.
The project “Giving LIFE a chance” aims to reduce the prevalence of suicide in the Embera community through a proof of concept consisting of the development of a psychosocial intervention for adolescents and young adults delivered by paraprofessionals, combined with culturally-appropriate suicide education and prevention for the indigenous communities in the region.
Impact summary
- At least 90 children, adolescents and young adults (CAA) at risk of losing the will to live and/or affected family members receive psychosocial attention
- 30% improvement in risk of losing the will to live (LWL) symptoms at 3 months among CAA and/or family treated by the programme compared control group
This innovation is funded by Grand Challenges Canada.
Innovation
Innovation details
“Giving LIFE a chance” provides the opportunity to identify and research differences unique to indigenous communities experiencing rapid cultural change. It aims to reduce the prevalence of suicide in the Embera community through a proof of concept consisting of 4 interrelated results:
- Reduction in risk of suicide due to demonstrated reduction in identified suicide-related symptoms and increased coping skills among persons who have attempted or contemplated suicide
- Reduced suicide clustering through development of effective community response strategies, including collaboration with traditional healers, communication strategies following a completed suicide, and community safety planning and crisis intervention
- Proven skills acquisition and delivery of services by paraprofessionals recruited and trained from within the indigenous community
- Cost-effectiveness of intervention design and service model for potential applicability elsewhere
Challenges
Complex Security Situation
The security situation is complex due to the presence of armed groups in the region. There have been frequent security incidents in late 2014 and early 2015.
Difficult Regional Landscape
The region’s geographical terrain is difficult to maneuver and unpredictable weather conditions.
Relationships with Local Stakeholders
Gaining the trust of local authorities, organizations and community in general has been challenging.
Continuation
The project aims to create a replicable model with proven effectiveness that may be used in other indigenous communities experiencing similar suicide prevalence rates.