SafERteens Mortality Follow-up: Institute for Firearm Injury Proposal
The specific aim of this study is to: Conduct a secondary data analysis that examines differences in mortality rates between the three SafERteens RCT groups (i.e., therapist-based BI, computer-based BI, and control) after a 15-18 year follow-up period in the original sample of SafERteens’ participants.
Abstract
SafERteens is a single-session behavioral intervention (BI) combining motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive-behavioral skills training (CBT) developed by our research team to address violent behaviors and alcohol misuse among adolescents (ages 14–18) presenting to the Emergency Department. Recruitment for our first iteration of SafERteens took place between 9/2006–9/2009 at Hurley Medical Center’s Emergency Department (ED) in Flint, MI. Any adolescents (age 14-18) who presented to the ED during the recruitment period were approached. Following written consent (and assent and parent/guardian consent if < 18), participants self-administered a 15-minute computerized survey to determine eligibility (i.e., reports of both past-year aggression and alcohol consumption). Subsequently, participants were randomized into one-of-three groups: 1) computer-based BI; 2) therapist-based BI; or 3) control (i.e., received a brochure with community resources).
This randomized control trial (RCT) intervention was shown to be effective for reducing multiple violence outcomes, including non-partner (i.e., peer) aggression, non-partner and partner victimization, and violence consequences (e.g., truancy) among participants. SafERteens also demonstrated efficacy for reducing alcohol consequences (e.g., driving under the influence) and depression; and the number needed to treat to prevent at least one violent event or consequence over the following 12 months was eight. Subsequently, SafERteens is recognized in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s technical package as a best practice intervention for youth violence prevention and is the only efficacious intervention designed for healthcare settings.
The purpose of the current study is to conduct a secondary data analysis that examines differences in mortality rates between the original three SafERteen RCT group participants (i.e., therapist-based BI, computer-based BI, and control) over a 15-18 year follow-up period.