Pilot feasibility study of the WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention (WLLDC-SP)

Abstract Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) developed and successfully implemented the ‘Building Capacity for Implementation Science in Non-communicable Diseases (BImS-NCDs)’ (D43TW011964; Contact MPI: Obua) to build capacity for junior faculty in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with focus on Neurological disorders (epilepsy and dementia), mental disorders, alcohol abuse disorders and implementation science. We now propose to expand on the BImS-NCDs investment by pilot testing an implementation strategy for suicide prevention with support from National Institutes of Health and IC partners such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) which supports research that transforms the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. The research team will utilize these supports to leverage the existing district health system structure (District Health Management team (DHMT) and engage a multi sector group (proposed champions, implementers and beneficiaries) to co-design a contextually tailored strategy to promote implementation of evidence-based practices in the WHO LIVE LIFE guide for suicide prevention. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide with far-reaching impact on families, friends and communities. We propose to pilot an evaluate the feasibility of a contextually tailored strategy consisting of the WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention (WLLDC-SP) across the lifespan in rural Uganda. We will draw on existing research team comprising of psychiatrists and mental health practitioners, health systems and implementation sciences experts to develop a manual to implement the pilot. This will be achieved through three specific aims: 1) Co- design an implementation strategy manual for the WHO LIVE LIFE guide with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) Champions for suicide prevention in rural Uganda.; 2) Evaluate the feasibility of an implementation strategy consisting of WHO LIVE LIFE guide with DHMT as Champions for Suicide Prevention (WLLDC-SP)across the lifespan in rural Uganda; 3) Create a community of practice and build research capacity among multi-sectoral and stakeholder collaborators for suicide prevention in rural Uganda.. During the 3-years, we will train community stakeholders using the DHMT champions on evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention derived from the WHO LIVE LIFE guide. The aims will be supported by expertise from the University of Virginia and from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. By the end of the 3 Years funding, this grant will have provided awareness on suicide prevention measures and practice change among stakeholders to reduce cases of suicide in rural Uganda potentially providing capacity for research on suicide across the globe.