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Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Grattidge

    (Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia)

  • Ha Hoang

    (Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia)

  • Jonathan Mond

    (Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
    School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith 2571, Australia)

  • David Lees

    (School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia)

  • Denis Visentin

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia)

  • Stuart Auckland

    (Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia)

Abstract

Suicide rates in rural communities are higher than in urban areas, and communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention. This study explores community-based suicide prevention using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups asked participants to explore community-based suicide prevention in the context of rural Australia. Participants recruited (( n = 37; ages 29–72, Mean = 46, SD = 9.56); female 62.2%; lived experience 48.6%) were self-identified experts, working in rural community-based suicide prevention (community services, program providers, research, and policy development) around Australia. Data were thematically analysed, identifying three themes relating to community-based suicide prevention: (i) Community led initiatives; (ii) Meeting community needs; and (iii) Programs to improve health and suicidality. Implementing community-based suicide prevention needs community-level engagement and partnerships, including with community leaders; gatekeepers; community members; people with lived experience; services; and professionals, to “get stuff done”. Available resources and social capital are utilised, with co-created interventions reflecting diverse lifestyles, beliefs, norms, and cultures. The definition of “community”, community needs, issues, and solutions need to be identified by communities themselves. Primarily non-clinical programs address determinants of health and suicidality and increase community awareness of suicide and its prevention, and the capacity to recognise and support people at risk. This study shows how community-based suicide prevention presents as a social innovation approach, seeing suicide as a social phenomenon, with community-based programs as the potential driver of social change, equipping communities with the “know how” to implement, monitor, and adjust community-based programs to fit community needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Grattidge & Ha Hoang & Jonathan Mond & David Lees & Denis Visentin & Stuart Auckland, 2023. "Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-18, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2644-:d:1054296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Josephine de Deuge & Ha Hoang & Katherine Kent & Jonathon Mond & Heather Bridgman & Sarah Skromanis & Laura Smith & Stuart Auckland, 2020. "Impacts of Community Resilience on the Implementation of a Mental Health Promotion Program in Rural Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Benjamin Saunders & Julius Sim & Tom Kingstone & Shula Baker & Jackie Waterfield & Bernadette Bartlam & Heather Burroughs & Clare Jinks, 2018. "Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 52(4), pages 1893-1907, July.
    3. Tonelle Handley & Jane Rich & Kate Davies & Terry Lewin & Brian Kelly, 2018. "The Challenges of Predicting Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in a Sample of Rural Australians with Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-9, May.
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    5. Alison Kennedy & Jessie Adams & Jeremy Dwyer & Muhammad Aziz Rahman & Susan Brumby, 2020. "Suicide in Rural Australia: Are Farming-Related Suicides Different?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-13, March.
    6. Frances Bowen & Aloysius Newenham-Kahindi & Irene Herremans, 2010. "When Suits Meet Roots: The Antecedents and Consequences of Community Engagement Strategy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 95(2), pages 297-318, August.
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    1. Kimberly Beth Roth & Eleni Gaveras & Fatima Ghiathi & Eric Kendall Shaw & Melanie Shanlin Shoemaker & Nicholas Adam Howard & Meena Dhir & Genesis Rebeca Caiza & Hannah Selene Szlyk, 2023. "A Community-Engaged Approach to Understanding Suicide in a Small Rural County in Georgia: A Two-Phase Content Analysis of Individual and Focus Group Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-16, December.

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