Mental Health Wellness 1
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will conduct qualitative interviews with firefighters and EMTs/ paramedics across Arkansas. To address this aim, opt-in methods will be used to recruit a diverse group of firefighters and emergency medical technicians/paramedics from across Arkansas to participate in qualitative interviews, defined as focus groups and individual interviews. Through this work, this will generate the scientific foundation to develop a comprehensive, mental health service model that will motivate engagement in services by diverse first responders.
Detailed description
Firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs)/ paramedics respond to more than 50 million emergency calls in the U.S. every year. The daily operations and experiences that are expected and accepted as part of their job expose them to various traumatic events. The nature, frequency, and intensity of duty-related traumatic exposures place these first responders (FRs) at significant risk for mental health (MH) problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. However, due to the stigma of mental illness and the culture of self-reliance and strength that surrounds FRs, few are willing to seek help. There will be a two-stage exploratory, qualitative study that will use a statewide community-engagement approach to conceptualize a MH service model that would motivate FRs to be more engaged in services. In Stage 1, qualitative interviews with firefighters and EMTs/ paramedics will be conducted across Arkansas. In Stage 2, product development process grounded in these findings to conceptualize a MH service model feasible for implementation in real world settings. (Protocol for Stage 2 will be submitted for IRB approval at a later time.) Stage 1, Specific Aim: Identify FRs' preferences and priorities regarding MH service and delivery methods, including the feasibility, acceptability, and value of each method. To address this aim, we will use opt-in methods to recruit a diverse group of firefighters and EMTs/paramedics from across Arkansas to participate in qualitative interviews, defined as focus groups and individual interviews. After all qualitative interviews have been analyzed, a series of product development activities in Stage 2. Through this work, the scientific foundation to develop a comprehensive, MH service model that will motivate engagement in services by diverse FRs. This study's findings will guide a multi-stage, research agenda that will include development and pilot testing of the MH service model, ultimately, promoting engagement in MH services may decrease suicide rates and improve the overall MH outcomes among this at-risk population.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
University of Arkansas
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
OTHER
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* ages 18 and over volunteer and career personnel active, inactive, and retired
Exclusion criteria
* Non- English speaking (due to the nature of focus group/interview discussions)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Responders Who Provided Qualitative Data | 1.5 year | Number of first responders who provided perspectives and/or priorities for mental health services and/or provided suggestions for how to adapt this feedback to the population. |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Recruitment details
We used opt-in methods, facilitated by our community partners, to recruit. The PI visited fire departments and EMS stations. The State EMS Director distributed information through the state EMS registry. Emails and promotional materials instructed first responders to contact the PI or research assistant by telephone or email for more study information. The PI was invited to present and recruit at state fire and EMS meetings. The study flyer was also placed on social media sites.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Arkansas First Responders All participants were current or retired first responders in Arkansas, including certified Emergency Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Firefighters. | 145 |
| Total | 145 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Arkansas First Responders |
|---|---|
| Age, Categorical <=18 years | 0 Participants |
| Age, Categorical >=65 years | 10 Participants |
| Age, Categorical Between 18 and 65 years | 135 Participants |
| Department setting Mixed | 45 Participants |
| Department setting Rural | 65 Participants |
| Department setting Suburban | 10 Participants |
| Department setting Urban | 25 Participants |
| Department size Large (More than 150 people) | 28 Participants |
| Department size Medium (More than 3 stations, less than 150 people) | 52 Participants |
| Department size Not answered | 9 Participants |
| Department size Small (3 or less stations) | 56 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 1 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 144 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants |
| Military experience Current military experience | 4 Participants |
| Military experience No military experience | 122 Participants |
| Military experience Past military experience (veteran) | 19 Participants |
| Previous treatment for mental health No | 110 Participants |
| Previous treatment for mental health Not answered | 2 Participants |
| Previous treatment for mental health Yes | 33 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native | 2 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Asian | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American | 9 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race | 1 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) White | 133 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 41 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 104 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk |
|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 145 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 145 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 145 |
Outcome results
Primary
First Responders Who Provided Qualitative Data
Number of first responders who provided perspectives and/or priorities for mental health services and/or provided suggestions for how to adapt this feedback to the population.
Time frame: 1.5 year
| Arm | Measure | Value (NUMBER) |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas First Responders | First Responders Who Provided Qualitative Data | 145 participants |