# Suicide prevention for international students: A single-arm mixed methods evaluation of the LivingWorks safeTALK program in Australia

## TL;DR

This study evaluated a suicide prevention training program for international students in Australia, finding it acceptable and effective in improving confidence and intentions to help.

## Contribution

The study introduces a culturally adapted suicide prevention training program for international students and evaluates its feasibility and preliminary effectiveness.

## Key findings

- Participants showed increased confidence to intervene and stronger intentions to refer others to help after training.
- Qualitative feedback supported the training's value but suggested the need for further cultural adaptation.
- Suicide literacy improved three months post-training, though suicide stigma reduction was not sustained.

## Abstract

International students frequently report suicidal thoughts and behaviours, but often do not seek help. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an adapted version of safeTALK suicide prevention training for international students. Eight workshops were delivered in Melbourne, Australia (N = 128; 62.5% female, M age = 23.4). In this single-arm study, surveys were completed pre-, post-, and three months post-training, and 17 participants completed follow-up interviews. The training was rated as acceptable, helpful, and safe. Linear mixed models indicated increased confidence to intervene and stronger intentions to refer individuals to formal help sources, with improvements sustained at follow-up. Suicide stigma showed a small post-training reduction that was not sustained. Suicide literacy only improved three months post-training. Attrition limited inferences about long-term effects. Qualitative feedback supported the training’s value but highlighted the need for further cultural adaptation. Findings support adapted gatekeeper training as a promising strategy for suicide prevention among international students.