[Outcomes of a suicide prevention program in the general population; Barcelona Dreta de L Eixample district]

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE. Suicide and self-destructive behaviors are not only health problems but are also related to social and personal aspects. Public health and community action can play an important role in increasing survival among those at risk. We present the results of a program based on health education among the general population and in a specific health care setting to monitor the at risk population. SUBJECTS AND METHOD. The Suicide Behavior Prevention Program (SBPP) developed in the Dreta de l’Eixample district in Barcelona city included 219 patients, 148 (67.5%) of whom completed a 12-month follow-up. We selected a comparison group from a neighboring district that did not have a SBPP. This group was made up of 180 patients, 167 of whom completed the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS. Main differences between the two groups were that patients who were enrolled in the SBPP consulted more often for suicidal thoughts than those in the comparative group (36% vs 25%), had fewer hospital admissions (6% vs 36%), presented fewer repeated suicide attempts over the 12- month follow-up (11% vs 32%) and showed longer time to repeat attempt. CONCLUSIONS. Early detection of suicidal ideation and adherence to post-suicide attempt treatment reduce the risk of recurrent suicide attempts. Further studies with longer follow up may help to reduce suicide mortality. Key words (MEDLINE MeSH): Suicide, “Suicide, attempted”, Risk reduction behavior, Health education, Follow-up studies, “Outcome assessment (Health care)”