The process and preliminary outcomes of the PC CARES intervention are explained and research results are presented in this study. Linked participant surveys (n=83) compared attendees’ perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes, and “community of practice” at baseline and follow-up. A cross-sectional design compared 112 participants’ with 335 non-participants’ scores on knowledge and prevention behaviors, and considered the social impact with social network analyses. Learning Circle transcripts were scored for accuracy and fidelity to the curriculum, and participants’ discussions were analyzed for understanding of the research content and application in everyday life. Social network analyses indicate PC CARES had social impact, sustaining and enhancing prevention activities of non-participants who were in close relationships with participants. These close associates were more likely take preventive actions than other non-participants after the intervention. This article concludes that PC CARES offers a practical, scalable method for community-based translation of research evidence into self-determined, culturally-responsive suicide prevention practice.
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Citation:
Wexler, L., Rataj, S., Ivanich, J., Plavin, J., Mullany, A., Moto, R., Kirk, T., Goldwater, E., Johnson, R., Dombroski, K. (2019). Community mobilization for rural suicide prevention: Process, learning and behavioral outcomes from Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide (PC CARES) in Northwest Alaska. Social Science & Medicine, 232, 398-407.