Translating evidence into practice: Wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural Australia

Abstract

In Australia, farmers have been recognised as a particular at-risk group for suicide. A greater understanding is needed as to why this is the case so that contextually sensitive suicide prevention strategies may be developed. Further evaluation of suicide prevention initiatives is necessary to demonstrate their effectiveness. This project will advance current understanding of farmer suicide in Australia, develop a culturally appropriate suicide prevention program tailored specifically for this audience, and provide an evaluation measuring its impact. A mixed methods multiphase approach will be taken with the overall objective to better understand risk factors and attitudes towards farmer suicide (Component One) and to utilise this information to develop, deliver and evaluate an evidence-informed, tailored and culturally appropriate suicide prevention initiative (Component Two). Component One involves qualitative analysis of focus group data from an Australian Research Council Linkage grant ARC LP120100021 “Influences on farmer suicide in Queensland and New South Wales” gathered from male and female farmers from three diverse sites across New South Wales and Queensland. This information, in combination with a comprehensive literature review and practice-based evidence, will inform Component Two. Component Two involves the development, delivery and evaluation of a tailored suicide prevention workshop, SCARF (Suspect Connect Ask Refer Follow-up). SCARF is a 4-hour face to face workshop focusing on improving health to reduce suicide in accordance with suicide prevention best-practice. The content is theoretically informed by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide and the Biopsycho-ecological model. Evaluation of the SCARF program comprises quantitative analysis to measure participant changes in levels of suicide stigma, suicide literacy, mental wellbeing and confidence to assist others. This study will contribute important knowledge towards the body of evidence in farmer suicide prevention.