Scoping Review: Suicide Specific Intervention Programmes for People Experiencing Homelessness.

Rachael Mcdonnell Murray,Diarmuid Stokes,Eilis Conroy,Kate Frazer,Thilo Kroll,Michelle Connolly

doi:10.3390/ijerph18136729

Abstract

Background: The homeless population are among the most vulnerable groups to experience suicide ideation and behavior. Several studies have shown that people who are homeless experience more significant suicidal ideation and behavior than the general population. However, there is limited information about what suicide interventions exist, to what extent they are grounded in robust research, and which intervention components effectively reduce suicidal ideation and behavior in the homeless community. This research aimed to characterise the current evidence base in the area of suicide prevention for homeless individuals. Methods: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework was conducted and a narrative synthesis was performed. Pubmed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Open Grey, and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine were searched up to 8 May 2020. Results: A total of 3209 records were identified through database and grey literature searching. Three studies are included in this review. Key outcomes identify suicide intervention prevention programmes; similarities and differences across interventions, and examples of staff training. A quality review of the studies was completed. Conclusion: A stark gap in the evidence of suicide specific prevention interventions targeted at homeless populations.

Highlights

Suicide and suicidal ideation are recognized as a public health issue by the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) [1] and are a vital target of the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals [2]
The WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) [5] confirms that younger aged adults and older women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have higher rates of suicide when compared to higher-income countries; middle-aged men in high-income countries have increased rates
This review found a limited number of studies evaluating suicide-specific interventions for homeless populations

Summary

Introduction

Suicide and suicidal ideation are recognized as a public health issue by the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) [1] and are a vital target of the Sustainable DevelopmentGoals [2]. Suicide and suicidal ideation are recognized as a public health issue by the World. Rates of suicide are higher in males, and in Europe they are up to four times higher when compared to women [3]. It is the third leading cause of death worldwide in those aged 15 to 29 years; age differences exist between high, low and middle-income countries. The WHO [5] confirms that younger aged adults and older women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have higher rates of suicide when compared to higher-income countries; middle-aged men in high-income countries have increased rates

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