title: Awareness, attitudes, and use of crisis hotlines among youth at-risk for suicide.
abstract: Crisis hotlines have been central to suicide prevention efforts; however, utilization among youth remains low. A sample of at-risk youth was surveyed about their awareness, utilization, and attitudes toward local and national crisis hotlines. Youth reported low rates of awareness and utilization, yet expressed a strong interest in phone hotlines (41% vs. 59% for new media categories combined). Youth reported stigma, but that help-seeking could be positively influenced by peers and adults in their support system. Implications include making crisis services available across several mediums and the importance of engaging trusted others in youth suicide awareness campaigns and prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Evergreen Health Care, White Marsh, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crosby Budinger
authors.forename: Mary F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Cwik
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Riddle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D015277:Hotlines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010379:Peer Group; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000092864:Suicide Prevention