The Effectiveness of Repeat Suicide Surveillance and Prevention in Sikhoraphum District

Abstract

Background: Suicide in Thailand has shown an increasing trend and represented a severe mental health problem. In Sikhoraphum District, cases of suicide attempt and completed suicide have been continuously rising, while the existing surveillance and prevention system for repeated suicide has not been sufficiently effective. Objective: To study the effectiveness of repeated suicide surveillance and prevention in Sikhoraphum District. Method: This quasi-experimental research included 56 individuals with a history of suicide attempts and 48 district mental health workers. The research tools comprised the 9Q depression screening form, 8Q suicidal assessment form, and home visit surveillance form. The surveillance program consisted of 8-week continuous care activities: Week 1-assessment and screening at mental health clinic, Week 2-proactive home visits, Week 3-telemedicine follow-up, Week 4-clinical follow-up at mental health clinic, Weeks 5-7- assertive community treatment, and Week 8-outcome assessment. Results: The majority of participants were female (82.14%) with a mean age of 21.08±13.89 years. The main precipitating factor was alcohol consumption (32.14%), and the primary trigger was family problems (60.71%). The most important protective factor was access to necessary healthcare services. After the intervention, depression screening scores significantly decreased from 13.92±4.15 to 7.76±5.07, and suicidal assessment form decreased from 15.66±11.91 to 6.46±5.71 (p < .001). Conclusion: The repeated suicide surveillance and prevention program effectively reduced suicide risk. However, long-term continuous monitoring system development is still needed.