Scoping Review: Suicide Specific Intervention Programmes for People Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Background: The homeless population are among the most vulnerable groups to experience suicide ideation and behavior. Several studies have shown that people who are homeless experience more significant suicidal ideation and behavior than the general population. However, there is limited information about what suicide interventions exist, to what extent they are grounded in robust research, and which intervention components effectively reduce suicidal ideation and behavior in the homeless community. This research aimed to characterise the current evidence base in the area of suicide prevention for homeless individuals. Methods: A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework was conducted and a narrative synthesis was performed. Pubmed, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Open Grey, and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine were searched up to 8 May 2020. Results: A total of 3209 records were identified through database and grey literature searching. Four studies were included. Key outcomes identify suicide intervention prevention programmes; similarities and differences across interventions, and examples of staff training. A quality review of the studies was completed. Conclusion: A stark gap in the evidence of suicide specific prevention interventions targeted at homeless populations.

A Review of the Impact of Homelessness on Mental Health

“…Suicide is another mental health challenge experienced by homeless individuals [22]. Homelessness exposes individuals to a range of stressors, including social isolation, lack of access to mental health services, and a sense of hopelessness [23]. Addressing homelessness comprehensively by providing housing stability and mental health services is essential in assisting homeless individuals who are suicidal and providing a path to recovery [23] Another psychiatric condition experienced by the homeless population is Schizophrenia.…”

Suicide Bomb Attack Identification and Analytics through Data Mining Techniques

“…The confidence is defined as the frequency of the number of transactions where (X→Y) occurs together divided by the number of transactions where X appears. Confidence is calculated according to Equation (2). The greater the confidence value mean the association rule is stronger.…”

“…Suicide bombings are an enormously worthwhile approach of terrorism. Suicide attackers have become one among the foremost feared terrorist weapons [1][2][3]. Suicide attackers mainly carry explosive charges on their bodies or carry such charges in different vehicles, such as a car, truck, ship or an airplane.…”

Understanding and Tackling the Complex Challenges of Homelessness and Health

“…Finally, two reviews are included. Murray [15] presents a lack of evidence of suicide-specific preventions, and Bezgrebelna conducts an umbrella review [16] of evidence of the impact of weather extremes and the impact for those disproportionately impacted.. The articles in this Special Issue provide an array of innovative research, insights and perspectives from a range of disciplines and perspectives, all of which present extensive challenging experiences, and many studies were not supported by any grant or external funding.…”

“…Finally, two reviews are included. Murray [ 15 ] presents a lack of evidence of suicide-specific preventions, and Bezgrebelna conducts an umbrella review [ 16 ] of evidence of the impact of weather extremes and the impact for those disproportionately impacted..…”