Cluster Randomized Trial of the Impact of the Breaking the Man Code Workshops on Adolescent Boys' Intentions to Seek Help.

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young males in Australia. Tomorrow Man's "Breaking the Man Code" workshops aim to challenge potentially harmful masculine norms and promote positive attitudes towards help-seeking among adolescent boys in schools.

METHODS

Our stratified cluster randomized trial was undertaken with 1225 boys (mean (SD) age = 15.04 (0.74) years) across 24 Australian secondary schools: 13 randomized to intervention, 11 to waitlist control. Primary outcome was mean change in intentions to seek help for personal or emotional problems 4 to 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary outcomes included conformity to masculine norms, depression risk, perceived social support, and quality of life. Purpose-designed closed-ended questions captured other behavioral and attitudinal changes. The trial was prospectively registered with ANZCTR.

RESULTS

Estimated mean change in scores from baseline between the two groups on the primary outcome was -0.07 (95% confidence interval: -1.75, 1.62; p = 0.937). Purpose-designed questions revealed increased help-offering, connection with friends, and some potential barriers to change.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is needed to understand the impacts of school-based interventions for boys.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospectively registered with ANZCTR: ACTRN12620001134910.