Outcome Evaluation of a Public Health Approach to Suicide Prevention in an American Indian Tribal Nation

Abstract

Data from this community-based approach document a remarkable downward trend-measured by both magnitude and temporal trends in the specifically targeted age cohorts-in suicidal acts. The sequential decrease in age-specific rates of suicide attempts and gestures is indicative of the program's success.

Sense of Belonging in the Urban School Environments of Aboriginal Youth

“…Another American study evaluated the efficacy of 15 years of a public health-oriented suicidalbehavior prevention program among youths living on an American Indian reservation (May, Serna, Hurt & DeBruyn, 2005). Over the years, the program evolved into a broad, community-wide systems suicide prevention model that solicited active involvement from key constituencies (i.e., tribal leadership, health care providers, parents, elders, youths, and clients) in its design and implementation.…”

“…Results indicated a substantial drop in suicidal gestures and attempts. The authors claim that community involvement in the program was critical for developing strategies through which to address issues identified in a culturally, environmentally, and clinically appropriate manner (May et al, 2005).…”

Focus Suicide Prevention Also on Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts

“…Regarding other suicidal, risk-related factors, for example, psychiatric therapy, self-destruction acts in a closed environment, violence records, substance addiction, law violation, feeling sadness, fear or hopelessness, and a lack of impulse control should focus clinicians' attention, while prompting appropriate therapy. 5 According to Polish standards (see the review), 2 any teenager who has AS should be referred for psychiatric examination; this is rather difficult in practice with 1 psychiatrist per 40 000 population at a developmental age in the Lódï Region, while to European standards there is an assumption of 1 psychiatrist per 25 000 population.…”

“…2 Further, community-based suicide prevention-based programs in particular have generally not been found effective in preventing death by suicide. [3][4][5] The authors also conclude that "[s]uicide prevention should not be restricted to the mental health sector alone. The reason is that people who consider a suicide attempt are unlikely to be in contact with health care professionals."…”

Problematic Conclusions regarding Suicide Prevention: A Response to ten Have et al, 2009

“…2 Further, community-based suicide prevention-based programs in particular have generally not been found effective in preventing death by suicide. [3][4][5] The authors also conclude that "[s]uicide prevention should not be restricted to the mental health sector alone. The reason is that people who consider a suicide attempt are unlikely to be in contact with health care professionals."…”