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Quarshie ENB, Oppong Asante K, Andoh-Arthur J, Akotia CS, Osafo J. To Keep the Law or to Repeal It: Views of Parliamentarians On the Call to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Ghana. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 89:39-56. [PMID: 34967674 PMCID: PMC11017692 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211066683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We explored the views of members of parliament (MPs) in Ghana on the call to decriminalise attempted suicide. We applied reflexive thematic analysis to Parliamentary Hansards (2017-2020) on calls to decriminalise attempted suicide in Ghana. 11 MPs shared their stance for or against the call. We developed three major themes that entailed, often, opposing views: (1) deterrent effect of the law (against: the law punishes and deters to protect life; for: the law is insensitive and has ironic effects), (2) enforcement of the law (against: leave things as they are, the law is not enforced, anyway; for: crime is not self-inflicted) and (3) prioritisation of suicide prevention (against: focus on more pressing issues, but resource support systems; for: the law and legitimate support systems cannot co-exist). The findings indicate two needs: to extend suicide literacy to Ghanaian MPs, and to initiate a public/private member's bill on attempted suicide decriminalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charity Sylvia Akotia
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Osafo
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Suicide and Violence Research, Accra, Ghana
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2
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Rukundo GZ, Wakida EK, Maling S, Kaggwa MM, Sserumaga BM, Atim LM, Atuhaire CD, Obua C. Knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in suicide assessment and management: a qualitative study among primary health care workers in southwestern Uganda. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:605. [PMID: 36096787 PMCID: PMC9465925 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally, with over 75% of all suicides occurring in low-and middle-income Countries. Although 25% of people have contact with their health care workers before suicide attempts, most never receive proper suicide assessment and management. We explored primary care health workers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in evaluating and managing suicidality in structured primary healthcare services in Uganda. METHODS This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among health workers in southwestern Uganda from purposively selected health facilities. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 individuals (i.e., five medical doctors, two clinical officers, two midwives, and nine nurses) from 12 health facilities in the five selected districts. Four themes emerged from the discussions: a) Knowledge and attitudes of primary healthcare workers in the assessment and management of suicidality, b) Experiences in the assessment and management of suicidality, c) challenges faced by primary healthcare workers while assessing and managing suicidality, and d) Recommendations for improving assessment and management of suicidality in PHC. Most participants were knowledgeable about suicide and the associated risk factors but reported challenges in assessing and managing individuals with suicide risk. The participants freely shared individual experiences and attitudes in the assessment and management of suicide. They also proposed possible ways to improve the evaluation and management of suicidality in PHC, such as setting up a system of managing suicidality, regularizing community sensitization, and training health workers. CONCLUSION Suicidality is commonly encountered by primary health care workers in Uganda who struggle with its assessment and management. Improving the knowledge and attitudes of primary health care workers would be a big step towards ensuring equitable services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Z. Rukundo
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda ,African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edith K. Wakida
- African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda ,grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark M. Kaggwa
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda ,African Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Mbarara, Uganda ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Baker M. Sserumaga
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Letizia M. Atim
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Clara D. Atuhaire
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Celestino Obua
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Faria JS, Marcon SR, Nespollo AM, Santos HGBD, Espinosa MM, Oliveira KKBD, Lima JGDS. Attitudes of health professionals towards suicidal behavior: an intervention study. Rev Saude Publica 2022; 56:54. [PMID: 35703608 PMCID: PMC9239338 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056003320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the attitudes of primary healthcare providers regarding patients with suicidal behavior. METHODS Clinical trial randomized by clusters, with a sample of 261 healthcare professionals, from 22 health units selected by stratified sampling, were chosen and randomly allocated, by drawing, into two groups: intervention (n = 87) and control (n = 174). The participants of the intervention group were exposed to a 20-hour training on suicidal behavior. All 261 participants were evaluated before and after the intervention; the groups were compared to evaluate their attitude towards suicidal behavior using the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire (SBAQ), an evaluation made by comparison of the means via t-Student test, for independent samples, and paired t-test, for dependent samples. RESULTS The intervention group, in comparison to their evaluation before and after training, as well as in the comparison with the evaluation of the control group, showed statistically significant differences in attitudes towards suicidal behavior, according to the differences presented in the scores for the domains: “perception of professional capacity,” in all four items; “negative feeling,” in six of the seven items; and in the “right to commit suicide” domain, in three of the five items. CONCLUSION The brief training developed in primary health care was effective to improve the attitudes of the participants who were part of the intervention group regarding patients with suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alice Milani Nespollo
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Faculdade de Enfermagem - Campus Sinop. Sinop, MT, Brasil
| | | | - Mariano Martínez Espinosa
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Instituto de Ciências Exatas e da Terra. Departamento de Estatística. Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil
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Li A, Jiao D, Zhu T. Stigmatizing Attitudes Across Cybersuicides and Offline Suicides: Content Analysis of Sina Weibo. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e36489. [PMID: 35394437 PMCID: PMC9034432 DOI: 10.2196/36489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The new reality of cybersuicide raises challenges to ideologies about the traditional form of suicide that does not involve the internet (offline suicide), which may lead to changes in audience’s attitudes. However, knowledge on whether stigmatizing attitudes differ between cybersuicides and offline suicides remains limited. Objective This study aims to consider livestreamed suicide as a typical representative of cybersuicide and use social media data (Sina Weibo) to investigate the differences in stigmatizing attitudes across cybersuicides and offline suicides in terms of attitude types and linguistic characteristics. Methods A total of 4393 cybersuicide-related and 2843 offline suicide-related Weibo posts were collected and analyzed. First, human coders were recruited and trained to perform a content analysis on the collected posts to determine whether each of them reflected stigma. Second, a text analysis tool was used to automatically extract a number of psycholinguistic features from each post. Subsequently, based on the selected features, a series of classification models were constructed for different purposes: differentiating the general stigma of cybersuicide from that of offline suicide and differentiating the negative stereotypes of cybersuicide from that of offline suicide. Results In terms of attitude types, cybersuicide was observed to carry more stigma than offline suicide (χ21=179.8; P<.001). Between cybersuicides and offline suicides, there were significant differences in the proportion of posts associated with five different negative stereotypes, including stupid and shallow (χ21=28.9; P<.001), false representation (χ21=144.4; P<.001), weak and pathetic (χ21=20.4; P<.001), glorified and normalized (χ21=177.6; P<.001), and immoral (χ21=11.8; P=.001). Similar results were also found for different genders and regions. In terms of linguistic characteristics, the F-measure values of the classification models ranged from 0.81 to 0.85. Conclusions The way people perceive cybersuicide differs from how they perceive offline suicide. The results of this study have implications for reducing the stigma against suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Psychology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongdong Jiao
- National Computer System Engineering Research Institute of China, Beijing, China
| | - Tingshao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kresin T, Forster EM. Suicide Awareness Training: A Literature Review with Application to Queensland Nurses. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:13-21. [PMID: 34319837 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1948641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of strategic intervention, Queensland's suicide rates exceed both national and global rates. This is surely an indicator that not enough is being done to address this cause of death. The authors suggest that this problem may be addressed, in part, by provision of improved suicide awareness training for nurses. The purpose of this review was to support this through examination of the contemporary status of suicide awareness training in Queensland nurses, the efficacy of suicide awareness training in general, and the experiences of nurses, other health professionals, and suicidal patients in healthcare settings. We concluded that while efficacious, suicide awareness training in Queensland nurses is presently inadequate, and that both nurses and patients may benefit from improved suicide awareness training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth M Forster
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Australia
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Santos DCRD, Lima RTDC, Domingos TDS, Alencar RA. PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2021-0350en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the attitudes of health professionals working in Primary Health Care before and after participating in workshops about how to approach people with suicidal behavior. Method: a before-and-after quantitative and quasi-experimental study, conducted in a municipality in the inland of the state of São Paulo from August to September 2019. The sample consisted of 34 workers who answered a Sociodemographic Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Attitudes towards Suicidal Behavior, applied before and after three workshops on how to approach people with suicidal behavior in the Primary Health Care context. The data were analyzed by means of the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests, considering p<0.05. Results: a statistically significant difference was identified before and after the workshops regarding professional ability (p=0.011), negative feelings towards the patient (p=0.025) and without a category (p=0.006), evidencing the effectiveness of the workshops on how to approach people with suicidal behavior for management and care professionals working in Primary Health Care. Conclusion: the short-term results observed after the workshops point to a change in the professionals' conception and management in relation to people with suicidal behavior. Permanent and continuous training strategies as spaces for learning, reflection and action are fundamental to qualify the approach to people with suicidal behavior.
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Santos DCRD, Lima RTDC, Domingos TDS, Alencar RA. ATITUDES PROFISSIONAIS EM RELAÇÃO AO COMPORTAMENTO SUICIDA NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: UM ESTUDO QUASE-EXPERIMENTAL. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2021-0350pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as atitudes dos profissionais de saúde da Atenção Primária à Saúde antes e após a participação de oficinas acerca da abordagem em relação à pessoa com comportamento suicida. Método: estudo de natureza quantitativa e quase-experimental do tipo antes e depois, realizado em município do interior do estado de São Paulo de agosto a setembro de 2019. A amostra foi composta por 34 trabalhadores que responderam a um Questionário Sociodemográfico e ao Questionário sobre Atitudes em Relação ao Comportamento Suicida, aplicados antes e após a realização de três oficinas sobre abordagem à pessoa com comportamento suicida no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Os dados foram analisados por meio dos testes de Wilcoxon e McNemar, considerando p<0,05. Resultados: identificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa antes e após as oficinas no que se refere à capacidade profissional (p=0,011), sentimentos negativos em relação ao paciente (p=0,025) e sem categoria (p=0,006), evidenciando a efetividade das oficinas sobre a abordagem da pessoa com comportamento suicida para os profissionais da gestão e do cuidado na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Conclusão: os resultados a curto prazo, observados após oficinas, apontam para uma mudança na concepção e no manejo dos profissionais frente à pessoa com comportamento suicida. Estratégias permanentes e continuadas de formação como espaços de aprendizagem, reflexão e ação são fundamentais para qualificar a abordagem à pessoa com comportamento suicida.
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Aldalaykeh M, Al-Hammouri MM, Rababah J, Al-Shannaq Y, Al-Dwaikat T. Knowledge of Jordanian nurses and attitudes toward patients with suicidal attempt. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2021; 35:664-668. [PMID: 34861962 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nurses' attitudes toward attempted suicide may affect the quality of care provided to those patients. There is a significant relationship between suicide literacy level and stigmatizing attitudes toward suicide. This study aimed to examine nurses' knowledge and attitudes toward patients with suicidal attempts. A cross-sectional correlational design was used to guide this study, and data were collected using an online survey. The Stigma of Suicide Scale-short form (SOSS-SF) was used to measure stigmatizing attitudes toward suicide, while the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) was used to measure suicide literacy level. The sample consisted of 343 Jordanian nurses, and their mean age was approximately 31 years old. Only 58 (16.9%) nurses reported having suicide training. Nurses had low stigmatizing attitudes toward suicidal patients. Nurses showed low suicide literacy levels. Only 46% of nurses had scores equal to or higher than the passing score of the LOSS. Linear multiple regression was used to predict nurses' level of stigma toward suicidal patients. Among the four predictors entered in this analysis, only LOSS showed a significant and negative effect. This study highlighted the importance of suicide training and education for nurses because it may improve their attitudes, self-confidence, and professional practices when providing care for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aldalaykeh
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Community & Mental Health Nursing Department, Jordan.
| | - Mohammed M Al-Hammouri
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Community & Mental Health Nursing Department, Jordan
| | - Jehad Rababah
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Adult Health Nursing Department, Jordan
| | - Yasmin Al-Shannaq
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Community & Mental Health Nursing Department, Jordan
| | - Tariq Al-Dwaikat
- Jordan University of Science and Technology, Community & Mental Health Nursing Department, Jordan
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Engagement between adults in suicidal crises and nurses in mental health wards: a qualitative study of patients' perspectives. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2021; 35:541-548. [PMID: 34561071 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how patients in suicidal crises perceive their engagement with nurses in mental hospitals. METHODS A qualitative study based on grounded theory was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were used with 11 hospitalised adults living through suicidal crises. The data were analysed by multiple researchers, using the constant comparison method, coding, and memo writing. FINDINGS The core process was: 'Feeling nurtured through an interpersonal engagement'. This process underpinned two categories: 'Feeling safe and cared for while struggling to trust' and 'Working toward alleviation and change of my suicidal ideation'. The patients valued nurses who integrated caring approaches of building trust, demonstrating compassion, and promoting safety, with healing approaches of helping them to express and explore their suicidal ideations, and develop new insights and ways of coping. This interpersonal engagement could nurture patients' feelings of being accepted and understood, and being hopeful and capable of overcoming their suicidal ideations. CONCLUSION The conceptual insights can inform strategies to reframe overly instrumental approaches to prevent suicide and treat suicidal ideation, and instead promote an interpersonal orientation in nursing practice that integrates caring-healing approaches.
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Knizek BL, Andoh-Arthur J, Osafo J, Mugisha J, Kinyanda E, Akotia C, Hjelmeland H. Religion as Meaning-Making Resource in Understanding Suicidal Behavior in Ghana and Uganda. Front Psychol 2021; 12:549404. [PMID: 34163388 PMCID: PMC8215103 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.549404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicidal behavior is condemned by religions and tradition, and suicide attempts are criminalized by law in several African countries, including Ghana and Uganda. Suicide and suicide attempts may have severe consequences for both the entire family and the community. Religion is known to act as a protective coping force that helps people to make meaning and find comfort when dealing with stressful life events or situations like suicide. In this article, we focus on the cultural interpretations of the dominating religion in Ghana and Uganda, Christianity, and whether these affect attitudes toward suicidal behavior, meaning making, and coping possibilities for people who have attempted suicide or are bereaved by suicide. This article is based on data material from previous studies on the mentioned topics by the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Loa Knizek
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Joseph Osafo
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - James Mugisha
- Department of Sociology and Social Administration, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Charity Akotia
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Heidi Hjelmeland
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Santos DCRD, Alencar RA, Domingos TDS. Workshops for approaching suicidal behavior: implementation in Primary Health Care. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 74:e20200405. [PMID: 34037174 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to describe the implementation of workshops on the approach of people in psychological distress with suicidal behavior for Primary Health Care workers and managers. METHODS this is an action research developed for Primary Health Care professionals in a city in the countryside of São Paulo. Charles Maguerez's Arch methodology was used as a theoretical framework to construct the workshops. RESULTS through active strategies and the exercise of reflection-action, the workshops enabled participants to raise awareness on the topic, articulation between professionals and managers, and the co-responsibility required to care for users with suicidal behavior assisted in Primary Health Care. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS the workshops broadened knowledge, facilitating skill development to qualify Primary Health Care professionals in caring for people with suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rúbia Aguiar Alencar
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho". Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Hawgood J, Ownsworth T, Kõlves K, Spence SH, Arensman E, De Leo D. Impact of Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality (STARS) Protocol Training on Mental Health Professionals' Attitudes, Perceived Capabilities, Knowledge, and Reluctance to Intervene. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:827060. [PMID: 35211039 PMCID: PMC8861433 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.827060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality (STARS) protocol and associated training were developed with the key objectives of supporting clinicians to conduct a suicide enquiry, obtaining a comprehensive account of psycho-social factors contributing to suicidality, and collaboratively developing a safety plan with clients. STARS training aims to address knowledge, attitudes and capabilities that influence intervention behavior/skills. This study aimed to examine associations between clinician characteristics and pre-training competencies in suicide risk assessment (SRA), as well as the impact of STARS training workshop on clinician competencies; and to determine the predictors of SRA training outcomes. METHOD Australian mental health professionals working with suicidal persons who undertook the STARS 2-day face-to-face workshop between 2018 and 2020 completed an online survey at pre- and post-training. Of the 222 participants who completed the pre-training questionnaire, 144 (64.9%) also completed the post-training questionnaire. Participants were mostly female (75.7%), had completed a university degree (86.4%), had <10 years of experience in suicide prevention (71.7%), and were allied and mental health professionals (78.1%). We used linear mixed-effects regression for statistical analyses. RESULTS STARS participants who reported higher perceived capability at baseline had significantly greater formal and informal training, more years of experience in suicide prevention, and were more likely to have experienced client suicide and/or suicide attempt and to report fewer SRA related fears. We found overall significant positive impacts of STARS training on clinician competencies (attitudes, perceived capability, declarative knowledge) from pre- to post-training. The most distinct changes following STARS training were for perceived capability and declarative knowledge. Participants who had more positive attitudes after training were significantly more likely to have had less prior supervision/mentoring. Reluctance to intervene was not found to significantly change after training. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that attitudes, perceived capability and declarative knowledge changed positively from pre- to post-STARS training among mental health professionals. Underpinned by the minimum standardized SRA competencies, STARS training may be critical for informing evidence-based knowledge and skills in SRA and safety planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Hawgood
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Tamara Ownsworth
- School of Applied Psychology, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Susan H Spence
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland.,Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - Diego De Leo
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
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Osafo J. Conducting a qualitative research on suicide in Ghana using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): A reflection after a decade. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2020.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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The perspectives of adults with suicidal ideation and behaviour regarding their interactions with nurses in mental health and emergency services: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 110:103692. [PMID: 32682109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contemporary healthcare, both community and inpatient mental health and emergency services are important help-seeking avenues for persons with suicidal ideation and behaviour. Regarding nursing practice in these services, there is a strong focus on assessing and managing suicide risk. Within this clinical context, the perspectives of persons with suicidal ideation and behaviour are often overlooked. OBJECTIVE To synthesise the literature examining the perceptions and experiences of persons with suicidal ideation and behaviour regarding their interactions with nurses. DESIGN Review of qualitative and quantitative studies within a data-based convergent synthesis design. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of electronic databases (until January 2020) in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycARTICLES. Additional articles were identified through hand searching reference lists. REVIEW METHODS The methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies and the QualSyst tool for quantitative studies. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key themes and subthemes. RESULTS In total, 26 studies were selected for analysis. Most studies were qualitative and focused on inpatient mental health services. The studies reflected a spectrum of positive and negative perceptions and experiences of persons with suicidal ideation and behaviour regarding their interactions with nurses. Three key themes were identified: being cared for and acknowledged as a unique individual, giving voice to myself in an atmosphere of connectedness, and encountering a nurturing space to address my suicidality. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides insights that can be used to encourage nurses to contribute to suicide prevention and treatment as part of an approach in which they care for, connect, and collaborate with persons experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviour as unique individuals.
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Quarshie ENB, Waterman MG, House AO. Adolescent self-harm in Ghana: a qualitative interview-based study of first-hand accounts. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:275. [PMID: 32487040 PMCID: PMC7268665 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent prevalence studies suggest that self-harm among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa is as common as it is in high income countries. However, very few qualitative studies exploring first-person accounts of adolescent self-harm are available from sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to explore the experiences and first-person perspectives of Ghanaian adolescents reporting self-harm - for deeper reflections on the interpretive repertoires available in their cultural context for making sense of self-harm in adolescents. METHODS Guided by a semi-structured interview protocol, we interviewed one-to-one 36 adolescents (24 in-school adolescents and 12 street-connected adolescents) on their experiences of self-harm. We applied experiential thematic analysis to the data. RESULTS Adolescents' description of the background to their self-harm identified powerlessness in the family context and unwanted adultification in the family as key factors leading up to self-harm among both in-school and street-connected adolescents. Adolescents' explanatory accounts identified the contradictory role of adultification as a protective factor against self-harm among street-connected adolescents. Self-harm among in-school adolescents was identified as a means of "enactment of tabooed emotions and contestations", as a "selfish act and social injury", as "religious transgression", while it was also seen as improving social relations. CONCLUSIONS The first-person accounts of adolescents in this study implicate familial relational problems and interpersonal difficulties as proximally leading to self-harm in adolescents. Self-harm in adolescents is interpreted as an understandable response, and as a strong communicative signal in response to powerlessness and family relationship difficulties. These findings need to be taken into consideration in the planning of services in Ghana and are likely to be generalisable to many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Allan O House
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Abstract
This paper addresses national responses to suicide prevention in the African region. Eighteen countries responded, of which none had a national suicide prevention strategy in place and only three countries, namely Algeria, Congo, and Madagascar, were in the process of developing any kind of strategy, at the time of this survey. Official national statistics on suicide were available in four of the 18 AFRO countries, with two countries publishing figures on suicide attempts nationally. Training programs on suicide assessment and interventions for general practitioners or mental health professionals were very limited, available in just four countries. One country had a national center specifically dedicated to suicide research or prevention and four countries have at least one NGO dedicated to suicide prevention. Postvention bereavement support for families affected by suicide was available in three AFRO countries. In more than half of the countries, suicide is not an option to certify cause of death. Statistics on suicide and suicide prevention are poorly monitored in all the 18 AFRO countries. The present state of suicide prevention in the region will require cross-country efforts that will generate a critical mass to move suicide advocacy in establishing national prevention strategies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Osafo
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana
| | - Charity Sylvia Akotia
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Centre for Suicide and Violence Research (CSVR), Accra, Ghana
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17
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Akotia CS, Osafo J, Asare-Doku W, Boakye KE. News Editors’ Views about Suicide and Suicide Stories in Ghana. PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12646-019-00511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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Andoh-Arthur J, Knizek BL, Osafo J, Hjelmeland H. Societal Reactions to Suicide in Ghana. CRISIS 2019; 41:128-134. [PMID: 31418309 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: Condemnatory reactions toward suicide are prevalent in Africa, yet no study has examined how society reacts to suicides from the perspective of suicide-bereaved persons. Aims: This qualitative study explored societal reactions to suicides so as to further our understanding of the problem in Ghana. Method: Using a semi-structured interview guide, we interviewed 45 close relations of 14 men who took their lives. Results: The reactions followed ontological questions of what suicide means (construing the act), its impact (consequences), why it happened and who to blame (attributions and allocation of responsibility), and how to remedy perceived damages (damage control). Limitations: Focusing on suicides of only men might have limited the range of societal reactions to suicide in general. Conclusion: Reparative and retributive societal reactions to suicides were influenced predominantly by views that suicide is an extraordinary moral evil in the setting. Increased culturally focused suicide education can improve people's understanding and enhance responsive suicide prevention and postvention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Andoh-Arthur
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Birthe Loa Knizek
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Joseph Osafo
- Psychology Department, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Heidi Hjelmeland
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Vandewalle J, Beeckman D, Van Hecke A, Debyser B, Deproost E, Verhaeghe S. Contact and communication with patients experiencing suicidal ideation: A qualitative study of nurses’ perspectives. J Adv Nurs 2019; 75:2867-2877. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joeri Vandewalle
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Research Foundation‐Flanders (FWO) Brussels Belgium
| | - Dimitri Beeckman
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Skin Integrity Research Group (SKINT), University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- School of Health Sciences Örebro University Orebro Sweden
- School of Nursing and Midwifery Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin Ireland
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Nursing Department Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium
| | - Bart Debyser
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Department of Nursing VIVES University College Roeselare Belgium
- Centre for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic St Joseph Psychiatric Hospital Pittem Belgium
| | - Eddy Deproost
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Centre for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic St Joseph Psychiatric Hospital Pittem Belgium
| | - Sofie Verhaeghe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Department of Nursing VIVES University College Roeselare Belgium
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