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Goodwin J, Kilty C, Meehan E, Murphy M, Dillon C, Heffernan S, Greaney S, O'Brien M, Chambers D, Twomey U, Horgan A. Healthcare staff's views on responding to suicide and self-harm: Part II. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:1743-1750. [PMID: 33616213 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report on healthcare staff's views of the barriers to preventing suicide and self-harm. DESIGN AND METHODS Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through "World Café" discussion forums and written submissions, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Healthcare staff, including psychiatric nurses, perceived that a whole of society approach was needed for suicide and self-harm prevention. Support for those at the front line is needed as well as clear referral pathways and interagency working. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Formalized support for staff working in healthcare should be given with a flexible and inclusive approach to service delivery adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Goodwin
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland.,ENGAGE (Interdisciplinary Clinical Mental Health Research Network), Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Caroline Kilty
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Elaine Meehan
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Margaret Murphy
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Christina Dillon
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Sinead Heffernan
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Sonya Greaney
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland.,HSE South, HSE, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Maidy O'Brien
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Una Twomey
- Service Improvement, HSE, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Aine Horgan
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland.,ENGAGE (Interdisciplinary Clinical Mental Health Research Network), Cork, Republic of Ireland
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2
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Wiglesworth A, Abate JP, Klimes-Dougan B. Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcements. CRISIS 2020; 42:448-454. [PMID: 33275049 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Suicide prevention public service announcements (PSAs) help to disseminate information about suicide and help-seeking options. However, little is known about how individuals at risk for suicide recall PSAs. Aims: The current project assessed which features of suicide prevention PSAs are recalled by young adult participants and whether there are differences between those who are at low or high risk for suicide. Method: Participants (N = 140) viewed a simulated suicide prevention billboard that consisted of a main message, help-seeking message, and graphical features. Participants provided written recollections of the billboard features approximately 15 min post-viewing, which were coded and analyzed. Results: High-risk participants were significantly less likely than low-risk participants to include a description of the help-seeking message in their written recall. Few group differences were noted in the recall of the main message or graphical features. Limitations: Recall was limited to short-term recall based on a single exposure. Efforts to enhance internal validity (e.g., measurement of suicide risk) and external validity (e.g., a balanced sample regarding sex and race) are recommended. Conclusions: Results suggest that new tactics may need to be considered when developing suicide prevention messages, including crafting help-seeking messages that are more easily committed to memory for target audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine P Abate
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Miranda-Mendizabal A, Castellví P, Alayo I, Vilagut G, Blasco MJ, Torrent A, Ballester L, Almenara J, Lagares C, Roca M, Sesé A, Piqueras JA, Soto-Sanz V, Rodríguez-Marín J, Echeburúa E, Gabilondo A, Cebrià AI, Bruffaerts R, Auerbach RP, Mortier P, Kessler RC, Alonso J. Gender commonalities and differences in risk and protective factors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A cross-sectional study of Spanish university students. Depress Anxiety 2019; 36:1102-1114. [PMID: 31609064 DOI: 10.1002/da.22960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess gender differences in the association between risk/protective factors and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB); and whether there is any gender-interaction with those factors and STB; among Spanish university students. METHODS Data from baseline online survey of UNIVERSAL project, a multicenter, observational study of first-year Spanish university students (18-24 years). We assessed STB; lifetime and 12-month negative life-events and family adversities; mental disorders; personal and community factors. Gender-specific regression models and gender-interactions were also analyzed. RESULTS We included 2,105 students, 55.4% women. Twelve-month prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) was 10%, plans 5.7%, attempts 0.6%. Statistically significant gender-interactions were found for lifetime anxiety disorder, hopelessness, violence between parents, chronic health conditions and family support. Lifetime mood disorder was a common risk factor of SI for both genders (Females: OR= 5.5; 95%CI 3.3-9.3; Males: OR= 4.4; 95%CI 2.0-9.7). For females, exposure to violence between parents (OR= 3.5; 95%CI 1.7-7.2), anxiety disorder (OR= 2.7; 95%CI 1.6-4.6), and alcohol/substance disorder (OR= 2.1; 95%CI 1.1-4.3); and for males, physical childhood maltreatment (OR= 3.6; 95%CI 1.4-9.2), deceased parents (OR= 4.6; 95%CI 1.2-17.7), and hopelessness (OR= 7.7; 95%CI 2.8-21.2), increased SI risk. Family support (OR= 0.5; 95%CI 0.2-0.9) and peers/others support (OR= 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.8) were associated to a lower SI risk only among females. CONCLUSIONS Only mood disorder was a common risk factor of SI for both genders, whereas important gender-differences were observed regarding the other factors assessed. The protective effect from family and peers/others support was observed only among females. Further research assessing underlying mechanisms and pathways of gender-differences is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Miranda-Mendizabal
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health & Experimental Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Castellví
- Department of Psychology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Itxaso Alayo
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Program 6: Health Services Evaluation, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Vilagut
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Program 6: Health Services Evaluation, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesús Blasco
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Program 6: Health Services Evaluation, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aina Torrent
- Health and Life Sciences Faculty, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ballester
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Program 6: Health Services Evaluation, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Girona University (UdG), Girona, Spain
| | - José Almenara
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz (UCA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carolina Lagares
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cadiz (UCA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Miquel Roca
- Department of Psychology, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS-IDISPA), University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Albert Sesé
- Department of Psychology, Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS-IDISPA), University of Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José Antonio Piqueras
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Soto-Sanz
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Jesús Rodríguez-Marín
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Enrique Echeburúa
- Department of Personality, Psychological Evaluation and Treatment, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrea Gabilondo
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Care, Outpatient Mental Health Care Network, Osakidetza-Basque Health Service, Biodonosti Health Research Institute, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Cebrià
- Department of Mental Health, Corporació Sanitaria Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ronny Bruffaerts
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum, KU Leuven (UPC-KUL), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Randy P Auerbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Philippe Mortier
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Health Services Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Health & Experimental Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Program 6: Health Services Evaluation, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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4
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Pirkis J, Rossetto A, Nicholas A, Ftanou M, Robinson J, Reavley N. Suicide Prevention Media Campaigns: A Systematic Literature Review. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:402-414. [PMID: 29190128 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2017.1405484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Suicide prevention media campaigns are gaining traction as a means of combatting suicide. The current review set out to synthesize information about the effectiveness of these campaigns. We searched four electronic databases for studies that provided evidence on the effectiveness of media campaigns. We focused on studies that described an evaluation of the effectiveness of an entire campaign or a public service announcement explicitly aimed at suicide prevention. We identified 20 studies of varying quality. Studies that looked at whether campaign exposure leads to improved knowledge and awareness of suicide found support for this. Most studies that considered whether campaign materials can achieve improvements in attitudes toward suicide also found this to be the case, although there were some exceptions. Some studies found that media campaigns could boost help-seeking, whereas others suggested that they made no difference or only had an impact when particular sources of help or particular types of help-seeking were considered. Relatively few studies had sufficient statistical power to examine whether media campaigns had an impact on the ultimate behavioral outcome of suicides, but those that did demonstrated significant reductions. Our review indicates that media campaigns should be considered in the suite of interventions that might be used to prevent suicide. Evidence for their effectiveness is still amassing, but there are strong suggestions that they can achieve positive results in terms of certain suicide-related outcomes. Care should be taken to ensure that campaign developers get the messaging of campaigns right, and further work is needed to determine which messages work and which ones do not, and how effective messages should be disseminated. There is an onus on those developing and delivering campaigns to evaluate them carefully and to share the findings with others. There is a need for evaluations that employ rigorous designs assessing the most pertinent outcomes. These evaluations should explore the nature of given campaigns in detail - in particular the messaging contained within them - in order to tease out which messages work well and which do not. They should also take into account the reach of the campaign, in order to determine whether it would be reasonable to expect that they might have their desired effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Alyssia Rossetto
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Angela Nicholas
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Maria Ftanou
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Jo Robinson
- b Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne
| | - Nicola Reavley
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health , The University of Melbourne
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5
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Karras E, Warfield SC, Stokes CM, Bossarte RM. Lessons From Suicide Prevention Campaigns: Considerations for Opioid Messaging. Am J Prev Med 2018; 55:125-128. [PMID: 29776777 PMCID: PMC11190888 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Karras
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, New York; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York; Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
| | - Sara C Warfield
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, New York; Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Cara M Stokes
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, New York; Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Robert M Bossarte
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, New York; Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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6
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Karras E, Stokes CM, Warfield SC, Elder H, Stephens B, Bossarte RM. The Use of Theory-Based Formative Research to Design Suicide Prevention Messaging for U.S. Veterans in Midlife. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2018; 45:1016-1024. [PMID: 29658315 DOI: 10.1177/1090198118769344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication campaigns offer a viable mechanism to promote suicide prevention and reinforce mental health for U.S. veterans in midlife, a group with a high suicide burden. However, little empirical investigation of this type of messaging has been conducted, with formative campaign research conspicuously missing from the limited literature. AIMS Using the theory of planned behavior as a guide, formative research was conducted to inform the design of suicide prevention messaging by (a) describing and measuring several theoretical constructs among our audience and (b) modeling associations between constructs and intentions to seek help for suicidal behaviors and mental health more broadly. METHODS Telephone-based cross-sectional surveys were collected between 2014 and 2016 from a nationally representative sample of veterans with analyses restricted to those aged between 44 and 65 years ( n = 809). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify significant factors associated with intentions to seek help for either suicidal behaviors or mental health. RESULTS Perceived behavioral control was one of the largest predictors of intentions to seek help for both suicidal behaviors and mental health concerns. Descriptive norms were also significantly associated with suicide-related intentions. Data further suggest several types of attitudes (i.e., discordant beliefs, stereotypes) to consider when designing messages for this group. DISCUSSION This study represents one of the first efforts to document and describe theoretical constructs and their influence on intentions among veterans in midlife to contribute to the development of evidence-based messaging for veterans informed by a conceptual framework. CONCLUSION Findings have important implications as the use of communication strategies for suicide prevention grows increasingly popular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Karras
- 1 VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,2 University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,3 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Cara M Stokes
- 1 VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,3 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sara C Warfield
- 1 VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,3 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Heather Elder
- 4 Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brady Stephens
- 1 VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA
| | - Robert M Bossarte
- 1 VA Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,3 West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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7
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Torok M, Calear A, Shand F, Christensen H. A Systematic Review of Mass Media Campaigns for Suicide Prevention: Understanding Their Efficacy and the Mechanisms Needed for Successful Behavioral and Literacy Change. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2017; 47:672-687. [PMID: 28044354 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mass media campaigns are increasingly seen as an important part of suicide prevention; however, despite their popularity, their efficacy is not well understood. The current review aimed to address key knowledge gaps regarding how mass media campaigns can be optimized to prevent suicide, by looking at their global efficacy, and mechanisms related to successful outcomes. A systematic review of the international literature examined studies which evaluated mass media campaigns targeted at suicide prevention, where suicide behaviors (mortality, attempts) or suicide literacy (knowledge, attitudes, help-seeking) was identified as a primary outcome. Thirteen articles describing 12 unique campaigns met eligibility criteria. For behavioral outcomes, mass media campaigns appear to be most effective when delivered as part of a multicomponent suicide prevention strategy, while "standalone campaigns" were modestly useful for increasing suicide literacy. Level of exposure, repeat exposure, and community engagement appeared to be fundamental to the success of these campaigns; however, these constructs were poorly adhered to in the development and implementation of campaigns. Overall, the mixed quality of the included studies highlights a need for increased quantity, consistency, and quality of evaluations to advance the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Calear
- National Institute for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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8
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Song IH, You JW, Kim JE, Kim JS, Kwon SW, Park JI. Does a TV Public Service Advertisement Campaign for Suicide Prevention Really Work? CRISIS 2017; 38:195-201. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: One of the critical measures in suicide prevention is promoting public awareness of crisis hotline numbers so that individuals can more readily seek help in a time of crisis. Although public service advertisements (PSA) may be effective in raising the rates of both awareness and use of a suicide hotline, few investigations have been performed regarding their effectiveness in South Korea, where the suicide rate is the highest among OECD countries. Aims: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a television PSA campaign. Method: We analyzed a database of crisis phone calls compiled by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare to track changes in call volume to a crisis hotline that was promoted in a TV campaign. We compared daily call counts for three periods of equal length: before, during, and after the campaign. Results: The number of crisis calls during the campaign was about 1.6 times greater than the number before or after the campaign. Relative to the number of suicide-related calls in the previous year, the number of calls during the campaign period surged, displaying a noticeable increase. Conclusion: The findings confirmed that this campaign had a positive impact on call volume to the suicide hotline.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Han Song
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Health & Mental Health Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Won You
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Health & Mental Health Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Health & Mental Health Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Soo Kim
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Health & Mental Health Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Won Kwon
- Graduate School of Social Welfare, Health & Mental Health Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ik Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- National Chuncheon Hospital, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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9
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Ftanou M, Cox G, Nicholas A, Spittal MJ, Machlin A, Robinson J, Pirkis J. Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Examples from Around the World. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2017; 32:493-501. [PMID: 27308843 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2016.1140269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Media campaigns have received increased attention as an intervention for combating suicide. Suicide prevention campaigns involving public service announcements (PSAs) have not been well described and have been subject to minimal evaluation. This study aimed to identify suicide prevention PSAs from around the world and analyze and describe their content. We searched the Internet for short, English-language PSAs that had been screened as part of suicide prevention campaigns and identified 35. Most commonly, these PSAs focused on the general population and/or people who might be at risk of suicide, and had a particular emphasis on young people. Almost 60% promoted open discussion about suicide, around 50% indicated that the life of a suicidal person was important, about 40% acknowledged the suffering associated with suicidal thoughts and feelings, about 25% stressed that suicide is preventable, and about 20% focused on the devastating impact of suicide for those left behind. Most PSAs promoted some sort of support for people at risk of suicide, usually a helpline or website. Although these messages appeared appropriate and practical there is a lack of research on the impact that they may have on people with varying degrees of suicide risk. Further work is needed to ensure that they are consistent with theories of behavior change, and that they are having their desired impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ftanou
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Georgina Cox
- b Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Angela Nicholas
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Anna Machlin
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Jo Robinson
- b Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health , The University of Melbourne
| | - Jane Pirkis
- a Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population Health , The University of Melbourne
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10
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Acosta J, Ramchand R, Becker A. Best Practices for Suicide Prevention Messaging and Evaluating California's "Know the Signs" Media Campaign. CRISIS 2017; 38:287-299. [PMID: 28228062 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although communication is a key component of US strategies to prevent suicide and there are a number of marketing campaigns promoting messages that suicide is a preventable public health problem, there has been little evaluation of these campaigns. AIMS The study describes the development of a checklist of best practices for suicide prevention communication campaigns and the use of the checklist to evaluate California's investment in "Know the Signs" (KTS-M), a suicide prevention mass media campaign. METHOD We conducted a literature review and solicited expert feedback to identify best practices and then used the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method to assess whether KTS-M was consistent with the identified best practices. RESULTS Overall, experts agreed that KTS-M adhered to most of the 46 checklist items and suggested that the campaign was among the best suicide prevention media campaigns they had observed. LIMITATIONS The checklist was developed through expert input and literature review and focuses only on media campaigns. CONCLUSION Given the nascent state of the evidence about what makes an effective suicide prevention message and the growing number of campaigns, the checklist of best practices reflects one way of promoting quality in this evolving field. The consistency between the experts' comments and their ratings of KTS-M suggests that the checklist may provide important guidance to inform the development of future campaigns and the evaluation of ongoing campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amariah Becker
- 2 Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Karras E, Lu N, Elder H, Tu X, Thompson C, Tenhula W, Batten SV, Bossarte RM. Promoting Help Seeking to Veterans. CRISIS 2016; 38:53-62. [PMID: 27561225 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have considered different messaging strategies that may augment campaign efficacy to generate help-seeking behaviors among populations at increased risk for suicide, mainly US military veterans. AIMS Findings are presented from the pilot evaluation of the It's Your Call campaign implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Three messaging strategies (with varying intensity and mix of messages) were compared to explore which best promote use of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) among veteran populations. METHOD Daily VCL call data were obtained for 10 US cities during 2011-2012 where the campaign was active, and modeled using Poisson regression to identify changes in utilization patterns associated with the implementation of different messaging strategies. RESULTS Significant increases in call rates were only evident during the campaign in communities where mixed messages were disseminated. Further, use of mixed messages yielded greater increases in call rates when compared with the other tested strategies. This was an observational study where identification of causal relationships between variables was limited. CONCLUSION Findings are encouraging as messaging was associated with help seeking, and they provide insights into strategies that may rapidly promote crisis line use. Results also underscore the need for further research on suicide prevention campaigns and dissemination practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Karras
- 1 VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,2 Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Naiji Lu
- 3 Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Heather Elder
- 1 VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,4 Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xin Tu
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,3 Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Caitlin Thompson
- 5 Suicide Prevention Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Wendy Tenhula
- 6 Mental Health Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sonja V Batten
- 6 Mental Health Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA.,7 Booz Allen Hamilton, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert M Bossarte
- 1 VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,5 Suicide Prevention Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA.,8 Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,9 Department of Behavioral Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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12
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Karras E, Lu N, Zuo G, Tu XM, Stephens B, Draper J, Thompson C, Bossarte RM. Measuring Associations of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Suicide Prevention Campaign on the Use of Crisis Support Services. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2016; 46:447-56. [PMID: 26880716 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Campaigns have become popular in public health approaches to suicide prevention; however, limited empirical investigation of their impact on behavior has been conducted. To address this gap, utilization patterns of crisis support services associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) suicide prevention campaign were examined. Daily call data for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, VCL, and 1-800-SUICIDE were modeled using a novel semi-varying coefficient method. Analyses reveal significant increases in call volume to both targeted and broad resources during the campaign. Findings underscore the need for further research to refine measurement of the effects of these suicide prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Karras
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention, Denver, CO, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Naiji Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Guoxin Zuo
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Central China Normal University, China
| | - Xin M Tu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, NY, USA
| | - Brady Stephens
- VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua, NY, USA
| | - John Draper
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Link2Health Solutions, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Caitlin Thompson
- Suicide Prevention and Community Engagement Program, Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert M Bossarte
- Epidemiology Program, Post-Deployment Health in the Office of Public Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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13
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Klimes-Dougan B, Wright N, Klingbeil DA. Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcements Impact Help-Seeking Attitudes: The Message Makes a Difference. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:124. [PMID: 27471477 PMCID: PMC4945655 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide continues to be one of the most serious public health challenges. Public service announcements (PSAs) are frequently used to address this challenge, but are rarely sufficiently evaluated to determine if they meet the intended goals, or are associated with potential iatrogenic effects. Although it is challenging to assess the relative impact of different PSA modalities, our group previously noted that one billboard message failed to show the same benefits as one TV ad [e.g., Klimes-Dougan and Lee (1)]. The purpose of this study was to extend these findings to test critical aspects of suicide prevention billboard messaging. Although both simulated billboard messages presented had identical supporting messages, we predicted that the more personal billboard message, focused on saving one's life, would cause more favorable help-seeking attitudes than the message focused on suicide. Young adult university students (N = 785) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions; one of two billboard simulations or a TV ad simulation. Help-seeking attitudes, maladaptive coping, and reports of concern and distress were evaluated. The results of this study suggest some relative benefits in endorsement of favorable help-seeking attitudes for one of the billboard conditions - stop depression from taking another life. Although further research is needed to determine what methods will alter the risk for suicide in the population, the results of this study provide a useful first step showing that some billboard messaging may favorably influence help-seeking attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Wright
- State of Minnesota: Department of Public Health , Minneapolis, MN , USA
| | - David A Klingbeil
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee , Milwaukee, WI , USA
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14
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Li A, Huang X, Hao B, O'Dea B, Christensen H, Zhu T. Attitudes towards suicide attempts broadcast on social media: an exploratory study of Chinese microblogs. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1209. [PMID: 26380801 PMCID: PMC4570843 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Broadcasting a suicide attempt on social media has become a public health concern in many countries, particularly in China. In these cases, social media users are likely to be the first to witness the suicide attempt, and their attitudes may determine their likelihood of joining rescue efforts. This paper examines Chinese social media (Weibo) users’ attitudes towards suicide attempts broadcast on Weibo. Methods. A total of 4,969 Weibo posts were selected from a customised Weibo User Pool which consisted of 1.06 million active users. The selected posts were then independently coded by two researchers using a coding framework that assessed: (a) Themes, (b) General attitudes, (c) Stigmatising attitudes, (d) Perceived motivations, and (e) Desired responses. Results and Discussion. More than one third of Weibo posts were coded as “stigmatising” (35%). Among these, 22%, 16%, and 15% of posts were coded as “deceitful,” “pathetic,” and “stupid,” respectively. Among the posts which reflected different types of perceived motivations, 57% of posts were coded as “seeking attention.” Among the posts which reflected desired responses, 37% were “not saving” and 28% were “encouraging suicide.” Furthermore, among the posts with negative desired responses (i.e., “not saving” and “encouraging suicide”), 57% and 17% of them were related to different types of stigmatising attitudes and perceived motivations, respectively. Specifically, 29% and 26% of posts reflecting both stigmatising attitudes and negative desired responses were coded as “deceitful” and “pathetic,” respectively, while 66% of posts reflecting both perceived motivations, and negative desired responses were coded as “seeking attention.” Very few posts “promoted literacy” (2%) or “provided resources” (8%). Gender differences existed in multiple categories. Conclusions. This paper confirms the need for stigma reduction campaigns for Chinese social media users to improve their attitudes towards those who broadcast their suicide attempts on social media. Results of this study support the need for improved public health programs in China and may be insightful for other countries and other social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Psychology, Beijing Forestry University , Beijing , China ; Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia ; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaoxiao Huang
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Bibo Hao
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China ; School of Computer and Control, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Bridianne O'Dea
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Tingshao Zhu
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China ; Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
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15
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Hamilton E, Klimes-Dougan B. Gender differences in suicide prevention responses: implications for adolescents based on an illustrative review of the literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:2359-72. [PMID: 25711358 PMCID: PMC4377906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120302359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: There are well-documented gender differences in adolescent suicidal behavior; death by suicide is more common in males, while nonfatal suicide attempts are more common among females. Over the past three decades, researchers have documented the effectiveness of a myriad of suicide prevention initiatives. However, there has been insufficient attention to which types of suicide prevention interventions are effective in changing attitudes and behaviors for young males and females. In this review of the literature, we consider common examples of primarily universal suicide prevention programs from three implementation settings: school-based, community-based, and healthcare-based. Our purpose is to delineate how the potential gender bias in such strategies may translate into youth suicide prevention efforts. Methods: Research in which gender was found to moderate program success was retrieved through online databases. Results: The results that feature programming effects for both males and females are provocative, suggesting that when gender differences are evident, in almost all cases, females seem to be more likely than males to benefit from existing prevention programming. Conclusions: We conclude by considering recommendations that may benefit males more directly. Implications for adolescent suicide prevention in particular are discussed. Personalization of suicide intervention is presented as a promising solution to reduce suicide rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hamilton
- Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Bonnie Klimes-Dougan
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, 75 East River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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16
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Bossarte RM, Karras E, Lu N, Tu X, Stephens B, Draper J, Kemp JE. Associations between the Department of Veterans Affairs' suicide prevention campaign and calls to related crisis lines. Public Health Rep 2015; 129:516-25. [PMID: 25364053 DOI: 10.1177/003335491412900610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Transit Authority Suicide Prevention (TASP) campaign was launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in a limited number of U.S. cities to promote the use of crisis lines among veterans of military service. METHODS We obtained the daily number of calls to the VCL and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) for six implementation cities (where the campaign was active) and four control cities (where there was no TASP campaign messaging) for a 14-month period. To identify changes in call volume associated with campaign implementation, VCL and NSPL daily call counts for three time periods of equal length (pre-campaign, during campaign, and post-campaign) were modeled using a Poisson log-linear regression with inference based on the generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Statistically significant increases in calls to both the VCL and the NSPL were reported during the TASP campaign in implementation cities, but were not reported in control cities during or following the campaign. Secondary outcome measures were also reported for the VCL and included the percentage of callers who are veterans, and calls resulting in a rescue during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study reveal some promise for suicide prevention messaging to promote the use of telephone crisis services and contribute to an emerging area of research examining the effects of campaigns on help seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Bossarte
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Public Health, Epidemiology Program, Post-Deployment Health, Washington, DC ; University of Rochester, Department of Psychiatry, Rochester, NY
| | - Elizabeth Karras
- University of Rochester, Department of Psychiatry, Rochester, NY ; Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY
| | - Naiji Lu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY ; University of Rochester, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Rochester, NY
| | - Xin Tu
- University of Rochester, Department of Psychiatry, Rochester, NY ; Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY ; University of Rochester, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Rochester, NY
| | - Brady Stephens
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, NY
| | - John Draper
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Link2Health Solutions, Inc., New York, NY
| | - Janet E Kemp
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Suicide Prevention and Community Engagement, Washington, DC
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17
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Zaheer J, Links PS, Law S, Shera W, Hodges B, Tsang AKT, Huang X, Liu P. Developing a Matrix Model of Rural Suicide Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.2753/imh0020-7411400403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul S. Links
- b University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel Law
- a University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wes Shera
- a University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Hodges
- a University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Pozi Liu
- d Department of Psychiatry, Yuquan Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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18
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du Roscoät E, Beck F. Efficient interventions on suicide prevention: a literature review. Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2013; 61:363-74. [PMID: 23849295 DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2013.01.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This review focuses on interventions to prevent suicide. It excludes psychotherapy evaluations and pharmaceutical clinical trials. The aim of this article is to provide useful input to the reflection on and the development of actions for professionals who may be concerned by suicide prevention. METHOD This research is based on 41 published evaluation studies presenting results on at least one of the three following outcomes: completed suicides, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideations. These studies have been classified into seven categories of preventive action. RESULTS According to data from the literature selected for our analysis, the three most efficient categories of intervention seem to be the limitation of access to lethal means, the preservation of contact with the patients hospitalized for a suicide attempt after hospitalization, and the implementation of emergency call centers. The four other categories of intervention examined in this study - the training of general practitioners, the reorganization of care, programs in schools, and information campaigns - have not yet shown sufficient proof of their efficacy. Nevertheless, these interventions, under certain conditions, can also contribute significantly to the prevention of suicide. CONCLUSION The majority of effective interventions minister to people already suffering from psychological disorders, but health promotion initiatives prior to situations of psychological disorders also deserve to be considered, in particular the implementation of services for the isolated elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- E du Roscoät
- Institut national de prévention et d'éducation pour la santé (INPES), 42, boulevard de la Libération, 93203 Saint-Denis cedex, France
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19
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Karras E, Stephens B, Kemp JE, Bossarte RM. Using media to promote suicide prevention hotlines to Veteran households. Inj Prev 2013; 20:62-5. [DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Background: Determining optimal methods for preventing suicide continues to be an elusive goal. Aims: The study examines benefits and possible untoward effects of public service announcements (PSAs) for young adults. Methods: Young adult participants (N = 279) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) a billboard simulation, (b) a 30-s TV ad simulation, and (c) a no-information condition. Results: Largely replicating a study previously conducted with adolescents, the results provided some evidence of the benefit of the simulated TV ad (e. g., increased knowledge, perceived as useful), but it also provided some evidence of untoward effects for the billboard (e. g., viewers were less likely to endorse help-seeking strategies, normative beliefs were altered for high-risk participants). Conclusions: These results are preliminary but nevertheless highlight the need for carefully researching existing messages prior to market diffusion, so that the well-intended efforts of preventionists can meet their desired goals.
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21
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Witte TK, Smith AR, Joiner TE. Reason for cautious optimism? Two studies suggesting reduced stigma against suicide. J Clin Psychol 2010; 66:611-26. [PMID: 20455251 PMCID: PMC3308355 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.20691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We present data from two studies that aimed to investigate stigma against suicide. In Study 1, we employed Milgram et al.'s (1965) "lost letter" technique. We predicted that fewer letters addressed to a fictitious organization with the word "suicide" in its name would be returned than letters addressed to fictitious heart disease or diabetes organizations, presumably due to stigma. Contrary to expectation, there were no differences in the percentage of letters returned for each condition, despite power to detect small effects. In Study 2 we compared scores on the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ; Domino, Gibson, Poling, & Westlake, 1980) from a study published in 1988 (Domino, MacGregor, & Hannah, 1988) to scores from a study conducted 19 years later. Results demonstrated reduced stigma toward suicide, with the belief that suicide is morally bad exhibiting the largest change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy K Witte
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, P.O. Box 3064301, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301 USA.
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22
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Klimes-Dougan B, Yuan C, Lee S, Houri AK. Suicide Prevention with Adolescents. CRISIS 2009; 30:128-35. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910.30.3.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims: Suicide is one of the most serious public health challenges; yet determining optimal methods for preventing suicide in adolescents continues to be an elusive goal. The aim of this study was to investigate possible benefits and untoward effects of suicide-prevention public service announcements (PSAs) for adolescents. Methods: Adolescent participants (N = 426; 56% female) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) a billboard simulation, (b) a 30-s TV ad simulation, and (c) a no-information condition. Results: The results of this study suggest some benefits for the information conveyed by the TV ad (e.g., more knowledgeable about depression). Few benefits were noted for adolescents who were exposed to billboard simulation, and the results raised substantial concerns about possible untoward effects, particularly in adolescents who were exhibiting depressive or suicidal symptoms. Billboard viewers were less likely to favor help-seeking attitudes, perceived PSAs as being less useful, and endorsed more maladaptive coping. Conclusions: More research is urgently needed so that well-intended efforts to prevent suicide can more optimally serve the desired goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Klimes-Dougan
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, in collaboration with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
| | - Chih- Yuan
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, in collaboration with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
| | - Steven Lee
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, in collaboration with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
| | - Alaa K. Houri
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, in collaboration with Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
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23
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Hasley JP, Ghosh B, Huggins J, Bell MR, Adler LE, Shroyer ALW. A review of "suicidal intent" within the existing suicide literature. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2008; 38:576-91. [PMID: 19014309 DOI: 10.1521/suli.2008.38.5.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The results of a systematic literature review that investigated suicide intent are presented. Of the 44 relevant articles identified, 17 investigated the relationships between various suicide risk factors and suicide intent and 25 publications investigated the relationships between suicide intent and various suicide outcomes. Despite recent advancements in the definition and nomological validity of suicide intent, a high degree of variability in the empirical measurement and analysis of suicide intent was found. Such variability limits future research related to measuring suicidal risk and outcomes, reporting suicide intent, or the meaningful comparison of diagnostic approaches or treatments across multiple studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Hasley
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
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24
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Tam J, Tang WS, Fernando DJS. The internet and suicide: A double-edged tool. Eur J Intern Med 2007; 18:453-5. [PMID: 17822655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 03/26/2007] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Many physicians are unaware of the power of the internet. In an era of an empowered public and patients, the internet may be a more powerful determinant of health-seeking behaviour than medical opinion. In the same way, it may provide more information for self-harm than was ever available to the public domain in the past. The internet is effective across cultural and geographical boundaries. In addition to reporting and romanticising suicide, it has a significant impact in assisting and promoting suicide. It provides services and information ranging from general information to online orders of prescription drugs or other poisons that bypass government regulations and custom controls. This bridges the gaps of locality and accessibility, which previously formed a natural divide in selecting the means of suicide. In addition to these negative effects, there is a vast potential to harness these properties to a beneficial effect. The wide acceptance of the internet makes it a powerful tool for recognition of the at-risk individual, for preventing suicide and supporting survivors, with chat rooms taking the place of telephone help lines. In an information age, it is vital for physicians to use all available means of informing and empowering the public and patients. The internet also has a role in training, providing accessible self-help sites for suicidal persons and web-based prevention services, all of which remain sadly under-utilised. The challenge to physicians of the 21st century is to harvest the internet in a beneficial manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tam
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 4JL, UK
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