Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Suicide rates in rural communities are higher than in urban areas, and communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention. This study explores community-based suicide prevention using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups asked participants to explore community-based suicide prevention in the context of rural Australia. Participants recruited ((n = 37; ages 29–72, Mean = 46, SD = 9.56); female 62.2%; lived experience 48.6%) were self-identified experts, working in rural community-based suicide prevention (community services, program providers, research, and policy development) around Australia. Data were thematically analysed, identifying three themes relating to community-based suicide prevention: (i) Community led initiatives; (ii) Meeting community needs; and (iii) Programs to improve health and suicidality. Implementing community-based suicide prevention needs community-level engagement and partnerships, including with community leaders; gatekeepers; community members; people with lived experience; services; and professionals, to “get stuff done”. Available resources and social capital are utilised, with co-created interventions reflecting diverse lifestyles, beliefs, norms, and cultures. The definition of “community”, community needs, issues, and solutions need to be identified by communities themselves. Primarily non-clinical programs address determinants of health and suicidality and increase community awareness of suicide and its prevention, and the capacity to recognise and support people at risk. This study shows how community-based suicide prevention presents as a social innovation approach, seeing suicide as a social phenomenon, with community-based programs as the potential driver of social change, equipping communities with the “know how” to implement, monitor, and adjust community-based programs to fit community needs.

Spiritual and Community-Based Mental Health Services for Children with Special Needs in Islamic Boarding School

“…According to the WHO health system, the health system change framework includes 1) service delivery; 2) human resources; 3) the treatment process and technology used; 4) health information systems; 5) financing, and 6) leadership (WHO, 2010). Caring leaders with a strong vision can motivate communities to deliver health services, including mental health services (Grattidge et al, 2023;Moon et al, 2023;Warren et al, 2023). Spiritual leaders such as Imam, Kyai, Priests, and Buddhist monks make arrangements, give messages about health when they feel health problems in times of safety or emergency, and try to provide solutions for their communities (Luetke Lanfer et al, 2022;Valente & Pumpuang, 2006).…”

“…namely the fully assisted category, directed category, and independent category. This difference in the category of diagnostic labels can reduce the stigma against children with special needs (Grattidge et al, 2023). After 40 days of observation aimed at categorizing ability levels and eliminating stigma, it is evident that children with special needs continue to develop following their circumstances.…”

Has the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic suppressed the increase in suicide rates in population outflow areas?

“…Several studies have reported higher suicide rates in rural areas than in urban areas. Furthermore, population outflow (depopulation) is considered a characteristic of areas with high suicide rates ( Fushimi et al, 2005 , Grattidge et al, 2023 ). The trend observed in this study is in accordance with these findings.…”

A Community-Engaged Approach to Understanding Suicide in a Small Rural County in Georgia: A Two-Phase Content Analysis of Individual and Focus Group Interviews

“…Existing international work underscores barriers, such as stigma or aspects of rural culture [19,20], or reinforces addressing barriers, such as healthcare shortages [21]. Efforts must be community-led and engage the entire community, not just clinical professionals, leveraging partnerships [22]. Such work must identify and address self-identified community needs [22], but also use trauma-informed strategies [19].…”

“…Efforts must be community-led and engage the entire community, not just clinical professionals, leveraging partnerships [22]. Such work must identify and address self-identified community needs [22], but also use trauma-informed strategies [19].…”