Developing recommendations to improve identification, prevention, and response to suicide thoughts and behaviours among post-secondary students: A mixed methods study.

Objective: This study aimed to generate recommendations regarding how to identify, prevent and respond to suicide thoughts and behaviors among post-secondary students. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design with Nominal Groups Technique (NGT) was used. Post-secondary and high-school students and their caregivers generated and ranked recommendations. A Codebook Thematic Analysis approach guided analysis of the NGT-discussions and extended understanding of recommendations. Results: 88 individuals participated in 21 panels. Five key recommendations were identified: (1) increase student and staff education regarding suicide identification, prevention, and awareness of existing supports; (2) enhance rapid access to supports for those experiencing a crisis; (3) improve institutional academic supports for students following crisis; (4) reduce stigma; (5) improve communication regarding on-campus suicide. Common themes included perceived impact of attitudes, institutional barriers, and peer-support on suicide thoughts and behaviors. Conclusions: These recommendations can inform the development of student-centred interventions for improving mental health supports.

Examining the experiences of student peer support workers delivering care within post-secondary institutions.

Objective: Despite experiencing exacerbation of mental health issues, post-secondary students may not seek help due to perceived stigma, overreliance on the self, or preference for nonprofessional supports - including peer support. This study aimed to understand peer support workers' (PSWs) perspectives regarding providing support for mental health concerns in post-secondary institutions. Methods: 41 PSWs were recruited from two post-secondary institutions. 17 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups were conducted. Themes were identified using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) diverse presentations and approaches to operationalizing peer support for mental health issues on campus exist; (2) peer support has core ingredients; (3) reasons why students access peer support extend beyond mental health crisis. Conclusions: An inclusive peer support approach to mental health is needed for post-secondary students. Considerations for implementation hinge on providing standardized, foundational training to prepare PSWs for the complex mental health issues that present across services.