Applying a community participatory model to creating suicide prevention materials for seven Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities

Background: Suicide-attempt data in California was reviewed.  The analysis identified a need for family education within Asian/Pacific Islander communities that addressed how to recognize warning signs and offer support to a person at riskfor suicide. Barriers to this need include: few suicide prevention materials exist in languages other than English; and cultural adaptation of materials is required to ensure engagement  families in this topic. 

Methods: Individuals representing seven cultures and languages were invited to participate in workgroups for each Asian/Pacific Islander culture.   Through webinars, calls and online discussions, workgroup members provided insight into cultural perceptions about suicide, language, draft designs and outreach strategies.  The campaign team identified geographic areas in the state with high population concentrations for each cultural group and contracted with local community based organizations to oversee the language adaptation, design and distribution of materials, work with local media, and increase their staff capacity through suicide prevention trainings. An English language brochure from a statewide campaign was adapted through multiple translations and reviews.  The efficacy of each cultural adaptation was supported by research into colors, cultural icons and symbols, existing materials and advertisements, and by observing people representing these communities.

Products: Print materials were created in Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Tagalog, and Vietnamese; broadcast ads were also created in Hmong. Materials were disseminated throughout California, but especially in regions with large concentrations of the relevant populations. Community organizations promoted the materials widely to ensure they reached appropriate individuals.  

Implications: The introduction of culturally resonant educational materials will increase the capacity of Asian/Pacific Islander families to support loved ones at risk for suicide.