Development of a surveillance and suicide prevention model using community empowerment in Borabue District, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a surveillance and suicide prevention model using community empowerment in Borabue District, Maha Sarakham Province, based on TK’s 5 Factors Model of Suicide. The participants included 11 key stakeholders from the surveillance and suicide prevention team, as well as 31 members of the community network for suicide surveillance and prevention. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding suicide prevention. The quality of the research instruments was assessed using an IOC of 0.67 to 1.00,a KR-20 reliability coefficient of 0.71, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.82 and 0.81, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the repeated measure ANOVA test. The findings revealed that SMILE Model consisted of five components: S – Safety environment: creating a safe physical and social environment; M – Masses cooperate: promoting mass collaboration; I – Interpersonal skill: enhancing community members’ suicide prevention and surveillance skills; L – Laugh therapy: using laughter to reduce stress; and E – Evaluation: conducting and reporting weekly evaluations. The participants' mean scores on knowledge and attitudes were statistically significantly different across three time points: before intervention, after intervention, and 12 weeks after intervention (p-value < .01). 90.30% of participants demonstrated high-level suicide prevention and surveillance behaviors. Additionally, no suicide reattempts were recorded among individuals who had previously attempted suicide during the 12-week follow-up period. Hence, the SMILE Model provides a complementary approach to existing health professional-led suicide prevention efforts, enhancing their effectiveness through active community engagement and empowerment.