Socioeconomic Characteristics and Attitudes Toward Suicide Among Gatekeepers in a Suicide Prevention Project in Gyeongsangbuk-do
10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.123
- Author:
Jino LEE
1
;
Jeong-Kyu SAKONG
;
Kyung Phil KWAK
;
Kwang Hun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Gyeongju Hospital, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- From:
Journal of the Korean Society of Biological Therapies in Psychiatry
2023;29(3):123-130
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This study identifies the socioeconomic characteristics and attitudes toward suicide (ATTS) of gatekeepers participating in a suicide prevention project in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Through this study we hope to increase the understanding required to prevent suicide in the community.
Methods:We conducted a survey from October 11 to November 4, 2022, with 1,284 individuals from private organizations who participated in the suicide prevention project between September 23 and November 30, 2022. The survey established demographic characteristics, experience in participating in suicide prevention projects, awareness and need for suicide prevention and mental health services, and ATTS. The study conducted cross-analysis and chi-square tests to identify differences in responses according to demographics. An independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test were performed to analyze the comparisons between each measurement factor. SPSS 21.0 was used to process data and the level of statistical significance was set to p<0.05.
Results:The gatekeepers’ ATTS were moderate, with an average of 3.11 out of 5. Specifically, preventability obtained the highest score (4.07), followed by preparedness to prevent (3.96), incomprehensibility (3.74), and noncommunication (3.34). Conversely, resignation obtained the lowest score (2.05), followed by tabooing (2.32) and relation-caused (2.51). The scores for preventability and preparedness to prevent increased with sustained participation in the suicide prevention program, while those for suicidal process decreased.
Conclusions:Gatekeepers’ ATTS may improve as a result of participation in the suicide prevention project, with better results with continued participation. Thus, actively recruiting more gatekeepers and keeping them engaged in the program may help prevent suicide.
