Suicide Prevention Programs Research Articles

Key informant perspectives of suicide prevention in Australia

BackgroundSuicide prevention policy in Australia is in a period of reform. The National Suicide Prevention Office is leading the development of a new National Suicide Prevention Strategy (Strategy). Stakeholder input is a critical element in the development of the new Strategy. This article describes key informant views about government-led suicide prevention efforts in Australia obtained as part of an environmental scan conducted as one input to inform the Strategy development process.MethodsWe interviewed 24 key informants in November and December 2022. Key informants were purposively recruited to ensure representation from cross-jurisdiction government departments/agencies, peak bodies and leaders in the suicide prevention sector, people with lived experience of suicide, and suicide prevention researchers. We enquired about successes, challenges, and opportunities. NVivo was used to conduct thematic analysis.ResultsKey themes identified as successes in Australia’s suicide prevention efforts included: leadership and funding for programs, services, and research; valuing the collective lived experience voice; moving towards a whole-of-government/system approach; and high community and political suicide (prevention) awareness. Key themes emerging as challenges in the sector were: defining the suicide prevention sector, limitations in the service system, workforce issues, and building the evidence base. Key themes mentioned as opportunities for improving suicide prevention efforts were: leveraging the current unprecedented awareness and desire for collaboration among multiple stakeholder groups; adopting wellness rather than crisis-driven models of care; including lived experience and co-design in all stages and aspects of policy planning, service development, and evaluation; and investing in data, research, and evaluation.ConclusionsKey informants from across the suicide prevention sector in Australia identified a range of issues for consideration in the development of Australia’s new National Suicide Prevention Strategy which are also relevant for suicide prevention policy and program development in other high-income countries. Key issues include the need for concerted efforts to define and build the capacity of the suicide prevention sector, implement and monitor a whole-of-government approach that includes wellness models of care and lived experience, and bolster the evidence base. These efforts require effective leadership and resourcing.

An Exploratory Pilot Qualitative Study That Explores the Influences on Mental Health and Well-Being in Indigenous Youth and Young Adults

Background: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among American Indian (AI) adolescents and young adults in the 15- to 24-year-old age group and is the third leading cause of death in the 10- to 14-year-old age group. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with AI youth (n = 10) ages 12–18, and young AI adults (n = 10) ages 19–24 to gather input on activities and programs to decrease AI suicidal-related behaviors in Nebraska. These interviews were 45 min in length at maximum. Themes were created once the interviews were completed. Results: The overarching theme was creating and implementing more suicide prevention programs and cultural activities for these age groups. Respondents identified three important characteristics that they believe all programs should have: (1) positive reinforcement, (2) culturally-centered activities, and (3) strength-based approaches that are not from a negative or punitive viewpoint. Conclusion: The results from these interviews can be used to build strengths-based approaches to promoting positive mental health in Indigenous communities and can lead to other successful programs and activities.

Developing Culturally Sensitive Suicide Prevention Programs for Medical Professionals in Indonesia

Introduction: Medical professionals in Indonesia experience high levels of stress, increasing their risk for mental health problems and suicidal behavior. Culturally appropriate suicide prevention programs are critical to address this issue. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted suicide prevention program for Indonesian medical professionals. Methods: This mixed-methods study had two phases. Phase 1 involved program development, adapting an existing evidence-based suicide prevention program using a Delphi method with Indonesian mental health experts (n=10) and cultural consultants (n=5). Phase 2 comprised a pilot implementation of the program with 30 medical professionals. Quantitative data on program feasibility (attendance, completion rates) and acceptability (satisfaction surveys, qualitative feedback) were collected and analyzed. Results: The Delphi method resulted in a culturally adapted program incorporating Indonesian values related to collectivism, family support, religious beliefs, and stigma associated with mental health. Pilot implementation showed high attendance (87%) and program completion rates (93%). Participants expressed high satisfaction with the program's content, cultural relevance, and delivery format. Qualitative feedback emphasized the importance of peer support, spiritual integration, and addressing workplace stressors. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally sensitive suicide prevention program for Indonesian medical professionals. Further research is needed to evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior.

Practice and evaluation of the suicide prevention gatekeeper training program incorporating dialogue

Objective This study aimed to examine the practice and evaluation of the suicide prevention gatekeeper training program incorporating dialogue conducted as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention project.Methods To provide individual support for suicide prevention, supporters' flexibility should be improved. The Niigata City Mental Health Center aims to improve traditional lecture-based human resource development programs for suicide prevention. In fiscal year (FY) 2017, we developed a "Gatekeeper Training Textbook for Suicide Prevention" that incorporates dialogue. Training programs using this textbook have been conducted since FY 2018. A self-administered questionnaire survey was administered to 975 participants in training programs from FY 2018-2022. The survey included the type of institution, understanding of responding to suicide risk, decrease/no decrease in difficulty in responding to suicide risk, and opinions and impressions of the programs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the difference in the proportions of decrease/no decrease in difficulty in responding to suicide risk by institutions was examined. Descriptions of the program's learning and awareness were analyzed qualitatively.Results There were 761 (78.1%) respondents. Regarding their understanding of responding to suicide risk, 95.9% of the respondents answered, "I understood better." Questions about the decrease/no decrease in difficulty in responding to suicide risk revealed that youth- and child-rearing support institutions scored higher than other institutions, whereas school-related institutions scored lower than other institutions regarding the rate of decrease in "2; asking individuals who have self-harmed about their wounds," "4; appropriately assessing the urgency of suicide risk," "6; asking about their desire to die," and "7; asking about their plans to commit suicide." Comments and opinions about the program were divided into four categories.Conclusion We have developed a new method for suicide prevention gatekeeper training that incorporates dialogue and involves training with various community supporters. The number of respondents who answered that the difficulty decreased regarding receptive responses and cooperation with other institutions increased after training. Additionally, the respondents' understanding of their responses and cooperation were reported in free-written descriptions. However, training content and evaluation methods that match each organization's characteristics should be considered because there were differences in the tendency of decreases in difficulty after training between institutions.

The role of the United States in shaping youth mental health advocacy and suicide prevention through foreign policy and media in conflict zones

This article explores the significant role of the United States in shaping youth mental health advocacy and suicide prevention through its foreign policy and media initiatives in conflict zones such as Iraq, Syria, and the Israeli-Gaza War. The U.S. has actively contributed to improving mental health outcomes by supporting humanitarian programs, facilitating mental health services for displaced youth, and funding initiatives aimed at addressing trauma caused by war. The paper highlights how U.S. foreign policy, through diplomatic efforts and peace-building interventions, has promoted human rights and stability in these regions, providing essential aid to vulnerable populations. In addition, the United States remains a global leader in promoting peace and safety, advocating for the protection of civilians, and upholding international standards of human rights. By working with international organizations, the U.S. has played a key role in ensuring that mental health and suicide prevention programs are integrated into post-conflict recovery efforts, creating safer environments for youth affected by war. Media coverage of U.S. efforts has also helped raise global awareness of the mental health challenges faced by young people in these conflict zones, further amplifying the need for continued advocacy and international support. This paper aims to demonstrate the United States' commitment to fostering global peace and ensuring that young populations have the resources they need to recover from the impacts of conflict, thereby strengthening mental health advocacy on a global scale.

Provider Perspectives on Healthcare System Barriers to Engaging Caregivers of Rural US Veterans in Firearm Suicide Prevention.

Firearms account for the majority of US Veteran suicides. Studies demonstrate that secure firearm storage can decrease risk of suicide. Veterans prefer to have discussions about secure firearm storage with familiar individuals, such as their caregivers. Providers in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are well-positioned to engage caregivers of Veterans in firearm suicide prevention; however, challenges remain. Elucidate healthcare system barriers to caregiver engagement in firearm suicide prevention, as seen by Suicide Prevention and Caregiver Support Program staff, to inform development of an intervention to increase involvement of caregivers in efforts to reduce Veteran firearm suicides. An Advisory Board consisting of key stakeholders provided input regarding study methods and interpretation of findings. Participants included 16 Caregiver Support Program and 14 Suicide Prevention staff recruited from 8 geographically diverse rural VA medical centers. Interview topics and data analyses were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Rapid analysis and a team-based approach were employed to identify key barriers; emergent themes were mapped onto relevant constructs of the CFIR inner setting domain. Healthcare system barriers included structural characteristics (e.g., understaffing and heavy workloads), relational connections and communications (e.g., poor channels of communication between Caregiver Support Program and Suicide Prevention staff), culture (e.g., lack of recipient-centered care), and access to knowledge and information (e.g., lack of training in how to incorporate caregivers in Veteran care). The present study provides much needed perspective from VA staff in Suicide Prevention and Caregiver Support programs regarding barriers to involving caregivers in firearm suicide prevention efforts within the VA healthcare setting. Identifying these barriers and potential solutions is a critical step towards increasing engagement of caregivers in reducing firearm suicide among Veterans.

Gender-specific correlates for suicide mortality in people with schizophrenia: a 9-year population-based study

BackgroundSchizophrenia is associated with a high mortality rate due to the high risk of suicide. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the gender-specific risk factors for suicide among people with schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to measure the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of suicide deaths in different genders among people with schizophrenia.MethodsData on patients with schizophrenia from 2013 to 2021 in Guangzhou, China were obtained from the National Information System for Psychosis (NISP), involving a total of 33,080 patients. Cox regression and Fine-Gray models were used to explore the sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for suicide mortality in different genders.ResultsThe overall age-standardized mortality rates due to suicide were 133.89 (95% CI: 124.31-143.47) per 100,000 person-years for females and 163.25 (95% CI: 152.92-173.59) per 100,000 person-years for males. To be specific, lack of medical insurance, history of non-treatment, and history of suicidal behavior was associated with a higher risk for suicide mortality for females, while an age of 35–54, being hospitalized once, and the age of onset being > 28 years were linked to lower risk for suicide mortality for males. For both genders, a lower risk for suicide mortality was observed in patients at an older age (≥ 55 years) and with a history of hospitalization more than once, and a higher suicide mortality risk was found in married patients and those residing in rural areas.ConclusionThe present study found that gender differences should be taken into account in the development of suicide prevention programs for people with schizophrenia, and future research is still required to verify our preliminary results.

Comparative Outcomes of Three School-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Adolescent Suicide Prevention in Hong Kong.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the effectiveness of a school-based suicide prevention program in Hong Kong. Methods: 105 secondary school students aged 14-16, identified as having high levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Participants were divided into three intervention groups: one for adolescents only, another for adolescents with peers, and a third for adolescents with parental involvement. All groups engaged in weekly online exercises. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the within-group and between-group differences in the levels of adolescents' suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. Results: The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety levels after participation in all three groups. No statistically significant between-group differences were identified, meaning the effects of the three interventions on the measured outcomes were similar. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the promise of implementing school-based suicide prevention programs in the Hong Kong context.

Evaluating the Impact of a Rebt-Based Suicide Prevention Program for Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a suicide prevention program based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) framework, which aims to reduce irrational beliefs, one of the root causes of emotional disturbances, including depression and suicidal ideation. Methods: A nonequivalent quasi-experimental design was employed, involving participants from two Addiction Management Integrated Support Centers in K Province, South Korea. Forty-eight individuals were divided into two groups: 24 in the experimental group and 24 in the control group, each assigned to a different center. The experimental group underwent 10 REBT sessions over 5 weeks, in addition to standard interventions. The control group received only the usual interventions. Outcome variables measured included irrational beliefs, depression, suicidal ideation, and problem-solving ability. Data were collected at baseline and again five weeks after the program ended. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and independent t-tests. Results: Prior to the intervention, no significant differences in demographic characteristics or baseline outcome variables were observed between the two groups. After the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in irrational beliefs (t=2.36, p=.023), depression (t=3.80, p<.001), and suicidal ideation (t=4.59, p<.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in problem-solving ability (t=4.59, p<.001). Discussion/Implications: The study demonstrates that the REBT-based suicide prevention program was effective in reducing irrational beliefs, depression, and suicidal ideation, while also enhancing problem-solving ability in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder. These results underscore the potential benefits of integrating cognitive-behavioral approaches like REBT into suicide prevention programs for this population. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the limited literature on suicide prevention programs tailored for individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder and offers valuable insights into the applicability of REBT in community-based mental health interventions. The findings suggest the importance of developing structured therapeutic programs that address both cognitive distortions and emotional well-being to prevent suicide in vulnerable populations.

Project Yarn Circle: development and pilot evaluation of a cultural connection suicide prevention program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

ABSTRACT Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experience markedly higher suicide mortality than non-Indigenous youth in Australia, yet there is little evidence of effective preventative strategies. Many are misaligned to the needs of First Nations young people due to a lack of consideration of protective factors such as community and cultural connection. Objective To date no research has examined whether increasing cultural connectedness may reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicidality. The current study outlines the development, implementation, and pilot evaluation of Project Yarn Circle, a school-based suicide prevention initiative utilising cultural education and connection. Method Project Yarn Circle was piloted by an Indigenous owned and managed youth mental health organisation, delivering 5 weekly sessions to 276 young people at 9 schools in Southeast Queensland, Australia, between 2019 and 2023. Sessions connected students to cultural knowledge and practices (stories, painting, dance, Indigenous languages) with Elders and local cultural knowledge facilitators. Results Pre- and post-program evaluation questionnaires completed 6–8 weeks apart found that participants had significantly lower suicidal ideation (GHQ-18-SS), pre 7.16, post 6.61, p = .043 higher positive ideation/reasons for living (PANSI-PI) pre 22.44, post 23.60, p = .009, and higher self-esteem (RSES) pre 16.55, post 23.60, p = .005. Analyses of cultural connectedness items co-designed for this evaluation study and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis found that students demonstrated greater cultural identity clarity, peer cultural competence, strength from culture, salience of cultural continuity and sense of belonging. Conclusions These findings provide new evidence towards utilising cultural connectedness as an intervention mechanism in Indigenous youth suicide prevention.

The role of social identity in a suicide prevention programme for construction workers in Australia.

Each year, more than 700 000 people die by suicide globally, the majority of whom are men. The United Nations and World Health Organization have set targets to reduce suicide rates by one-third by 2030. While large-scale suicide prevention programmes are required to meet these targets, diffusion of these types of initiatives is difficult-particularly with male populations. This qualitative study investigated the MATES in Construction suicide prevention programme in Australia. Guided by Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model for Collective Action, the study aimed to understand why construction workers chose to volunteer and advocate for industry-based suicide prevention programmes, and how their worker identity, solidarity and relationships impacted their volunteering and advocacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants who had chosen to engage with MATES as volunteers. Data were interpreted using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis, and four themes were constructed from the data relating to feelings of belonging, connection and solidarity between workers and their industry; how specific context and roles impacted identity while existing within an overall sense of identity and solidarity; how industry mateship supported engagement in suicide prevention; and how the role of lived experience, mateship and responsibility provided hope for change. Providing intervention skills to workers, particularly workers with a lived experience of mental ill-health, empowered them to believe that they could make a difference by acting collectively. The MATES engagement model described in this study may have applications for other health promotion prevention programmes targeting male cultures.

Maternal suicidality in Pakistan: Developing a critical feminist grounded theory to inform suicide prevention programs

Maternal suicidality in Pakistan: Developing a critical feminist grounded theory to inform suicide prevention programs

Brief psychological intervention for suicide prevention based on problem-solving applied in different formats to people over 50 years old: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSuicide is a major public health problem, especially among individuals over 50 years old. Despite the suitability of this life stage for prevention, research on the efficacy of psychological interventions is scarce and methodologically limited, affecting their clinical utility and efficacy. Brief, flexible interventions that can be applied both in-person and remotely are needed. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief problem-solving-based suicide prevention program applied through various modalities to individuals over 50 years old.MethodsA randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A sample of 212 adults aged 50 or older with suicidal ideation will be randomly assigned to a problem-solving-based psychological intervention administered face-to-face (PSPI-P; n = 53), by telephone multiconference (PSPI-M; n = 53), via a smartphone app (PSPI-A; n = 53), or to a usual care control group (UCCG; n = 53). The intervention will be delivered in 7 sessions or modules of 90 min each. Blind trained evaluators will conduct assessments at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome will be suicidal ideation evaluated using the Suicidal Ideation Scale (SSI) and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Secondary outcomes will include hopelessness, anxiety and depression symptoms, reasons for living, impulsivity, problem-solving skills, social support, anger syndrome, gratitude, personality, dropouts, treatment adherence, and satisfaction with the intervention.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence of the efficacy of a brief problem-solving-based intervention for suicide prevention in individuals over 50 years old, administered face-to-face, by telephone multiconference, and via a smartphone app. If results are favorable, it will indicate that an effective, accessible, clinically and socially useful suicide prevention intervention has been developed for affected individuals, families, and communities.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06338904. Registered April 1, 2024.

Adolescent Perceptions of Teen Suicide: Implications from Focus Groups

Adolescent suicide is a growing public health concern. This research explores adolescent perceptions of suicide to identify potential focus areas for future prevention programming. This qualitative study utilized focus groups with 14 high school students. Thematic analysis was used to capture key concepts. Salient themes included: “Deciding whether suicide risk is real,” which spoke to the challenge in interpretating suicide-referencing language, and “Desire to engage in more conversations about mental health and suicide,” which suggested more potential benefit than detriment associated with explicit discussions with adolescents. Adolescents also identified the need for an alternative, “in between” adult contact who is not a school-affiliated counselor or a parent. These findings suggest adolescents may benefit from suicide prevention programming that emphasizes exchange and dialogue rather than just didactic instruction. Adolescent concerns about confidentiality may be addressed through use of K-12 partnerships with universities for mental health services provision.

The Relationship between Race, Ethnicity, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Students at Institutions of Higher Education in the U.S.

We review the published literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the United States. College students with certain racial and ethnic identities have a higher prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation (Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander) and past-year suicide attempts (Asian, Black or African American, multiracial, and Hispanic) than White students. There is a lack of evidence about racial and ethnic differences in suicide deaths. More research is needed to understand factors that contribute to the racial and ethnic disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students. Identifying modifiable risk factors that may be specific to college students will ultimately reduce suicide deaths and guide the development of more effective suicide prevention programs across diverse racial and ethnic groups of students.

Relationship of Suicidal Tendencies and Drug Dependence: Analysis of Causes and Approaches to Prevention

The relevance of the article is due to the high mortality rate among drug addicts and the severe mental and social consequences of drugs. Understanding the causes and factors that contribute to suicidal behavior among drug addicts is key to developing effective prevention and rehabilitation programs. The author focuses on the alarming aspect of drug addiction — the high risk of suicidal tendencies among drug addicts. Drug addiction is often accompanied by severe mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders, in turn, increase suicidal thoughts and behavior. In the article, the author provides a scientific review of existing research on the relationship between drug addiction and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Based on a study of international experience, the importance of family and community support in preventing suicide attempts is noted. Based on the results obtained, conclusions are formulated based on reviews of psychological, social and biological factors contributing to suicide risk among drug addicts, aimed at evaluating existing suicide prevention programs among drug addicts. The main provisions and conclusions can be used when studying the issue of preserving the institution of family, noting the importance of family and public support in preventing suicide attempts. Drug addiction poses one of the most serious threats to the health and well-being of society.

Predictors and patterns of suicidal ideation disclosures among American adults.

When experiencing suicidal thoughts, many individuals do not tell others, making it difficult to ensure suicide prevention resources reach those who need it. The current study utilizes a large sample of US adults who have experienced suicidal ideation in their lifetime (n = 1074) to examine predictors of disclosures. We also explore who participants disclose to and how helpful these disclosures are rated. A majority (n = 812, 75.6%) reported disclosing. Black and Hispanic participants were less likely to disclose than White participants. Those who were never married were more likely to disclose, as were those who have attempted suicide. Mental healthcare utilization and favorable attitudes toward mental healthcare were also positive predictors of disclosure. More participants reported disclosing to a personal connection (n = 532, 65.5%) than a mental health professional (n = 282, 34.8%). On average, most sources were rated as neither helpful nor harmful. The study highlights those who may be at a higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts but going unidentified. To increase helpfulness of disclosures, suicide prevention programming should emphasize training for laypersons and professionals on how to effectively respond when someone reveals that they are thinking of suicide.

The Practical Analysis of Exercise-Intervention on Suicidal Ideation

PURPOSE: Physical activity is known to impact anxiety, depression, wellbeing, suicidal ideation as well as sleep quality in all age groups. However, there is a lack of information regarding its influence on suicidal ideation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between physical activity and suicidal ideation across all age groups.METHODS: We systematically reviewed literature published in the Google scholar and PubMed database from January 1990 to August 2024, using the predefined search terms of “suicide ideation,” “suicide ideation and exercise-intervention,” and ’‘suicide ideation and other factors.” Based on a reference search, more than 60 articles were identified, of which 30 articles (24 references) met the inclusion criteria and were well-connected to suicide and exercise interventions and other factors. We analyzed the connections between exercise interventions and suicide using several variables and discuss physical exercise and tailoring exercise intervention programs in the main text. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of physical activity was positively correlated with sleep quality. Well-being, quality of life, and mental health were negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts and attempts). The strongest effects were observed for the frequency of physical exercise. Intensity was the next best factor affecting the effects of physical exercise. This could be a more effective strategy for suicide prevention in boys than in girls. Adequate physical activity and exercise should be promoted through community-based suicide prevention programs with psychological (resilience and stress control) and social support. These results should be considered preliminary, and more and larger mechanism studies evaluating suicidal ideation and exercise interventions are urgently needed.

A systematic review of suicide among Iranians physicians, etiology and solutions

Suicide is a multifaceted public health problem that, unfortunately, remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Studies show that the rate of mental illness, particularly suicide, is higher among doctors than among the public, and the risk of depression and suicide among doctors has also increased. Interventions such as resilience and mindfulness programs can reduce suicidal thoughts among medical students. Suicide prevention programs should target high-risk groups, such as physicians. Studies have shown that medical students and physicians are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. The prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts increases during medical school. Psychological factors, such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, can lead to suicidal thoughts. Considering the worldwide significance of this issue and the recent increase in mortality among youthful Iranian physicians, we conducted and investigated the prevalence and possible causes of suicidal ideation among Iranian medical students and graduates in this study. The problem of suicides among Iranian doctors and the sudden increase in the deaths of doctors, especially young people, is dangerous. Suicides among Iranian medical, dental, and pharmacy students have increased in recent years. It may be beneficial to support populations at high risk for suicidal ideation and provide screening for early intervention, as well as raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of suicidal thoughts among male students, school officials, and teachers. Screening should include individuals with a family history of mental health issues and those who are separated from their parents, as these individuals are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts. Reducing the prevalence of suicidal ideation may benefit from smoking cessation interventions and stress-reducing curricula. In addition, studies show that work stress among Iranian doctors and dentists can affect their work and treatment. Controlling and managing occupational stress is vital to prevent future problems, as it can have physical and psychological consequences. High levels of occupational stress among these doctors can also pose a danger to their patients. Identifying the causes of physician suicide can help to control and manage it.

Myths about suicide - validating the Hungarian version of the Literacy of Suicide Scale (H-LOSS) on a community sample

BackgroundSuicide was exceptionally high in Hungary in the last century. According to Eurostat, Hungary ranks second in the EU in death by suicide and was among the few countries where the suicidal tendencies increased in 2020. Primary tasks of suicide prevention programs are to develop suicide literacy and dispel myths and misconceptions about suicide. Therefore, the goal of our research was the Hungarian validation of the 26-item Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS). Methods: 749 people (382 female (51.0%), 364 male (48.6%), 3 identify as non-binary or other (0.4%); 4 identifying as transgender (0.5%)) participated in our online cross-sectional survey with a mean age of 32.4 years (SD = 14.5 years). The H-LOSS questionnaire was adapted using the 2PL (two-parameter logistic) model with WLSE (weighted least squares) estimation in item response theory method, similarly to the original English version.ResultsScale unidimensionality was confirmed. Model fit indices and internal reliability indicators were acceptable. Item infit and outfit values were adequate, item discrimination values were within range, but one item had extremely high and three items had extremely low item difficulty parameters. Few items had differential item functioning by age, gender and own suidice attempt.ConclusionsThe H-LOSS scale deemed to be appropriate for assessing suicide literacy in Hungarian speaking samples.