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The effects of educational interventions on suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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  • Isabella Pistone
  • Ulrika Beckman
  • Erik Eriksson
  • Helena Lagerlöf
  • Morten Sager

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a major public health problem. Educational interventions for preventing suicidal behaviour are widely used, although little is known regarding the collective effectiveness of these interventions. Aim: We evaluated the existing evidence for the effectiveness of education interventions in the prevention of suicidal behaviour. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched multiple databases using terms related to suicide prevention. The articles were reviewed by two independent reviewers, and the quality of evidence was rated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Data from individual studies were combined in meta-analyses. Results: We identified 41 studies evaluating two different types of interventions: school-based education interventions and gatekeeper training. Education interventions showed significant gains in terms of knowledge and attitudes, though the effects seem to vary depending on subjects’ personal characteristics. School-based education interventions significantly reduced suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in youths. Gatekeeper training showed no significant effect on suicide attempts or gatekeeper skills, though the quality of evidence for the estimate, according to GRADE criteria, was rated as very low. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that school-based education interventions are effective in preventing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. In clinical practice, as well as in research, the development and implementation of educational interventions should focus on participants’ individual characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabella Pistone & Ulrika Beckman & Erik Eriksson & Helena Lagerlöf & Morten Sager, 2019. "The effects of educational interventions on suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 65(5), pages 399-412, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:65:y:2019:i:5:p:399-412
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764019852655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wyman, P.A. & Brown, C.H. & LoMurray, M. & Schmeelk-Cone, K. & Petrova, M. & Yu, Q. & Walsh, E. & Tu, X. & Wang, W., 2010. "An outcome evaluation of the sources of strength suicide prevention program delivered by adolescent peer leaders in high schools," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(9), pages 1653-1661.
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    1. Mattia Marchi & Cecilia Artoni & Fedora Longo & Federica Maria Magarini & Giovanni Aprile & Corinna Reggianini & Debora Florio & Giovanna Laura De Fazio & Gian Maria Galeazzi & Silvia Ferrari, 2022. "The impact of trauma, substance abuse, and psychiatric illness on suicidal and self-harm behaviours in a cohort of migrant detainees: An observational, prospective study," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(3), pages 514-524, May.

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