Overview of the Unites States Air Force Suicide Prevention Program and Implications for Korean Armed Forces.
10.4306/jknpa.2017.56.2.55
- Author:
Dae Jong OH
1
;
Myung Jae BAIK
;
Soo Churl CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Suicide;
Suicide prevention;
Military psychiatry
- MeSH:
Arm*;
Humans;
Leadership;
Mental Health;
Military Personnel;
Military Psychiatry;
Public Health;
Social Norms;
Suicide*;
United States
- From:Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
2017;56(2):55-60
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Suicide is a major public health problem among Korean military personnel. As multiple factors and their interactions are related to suicide, multicomponent intervention might be useful for reducing suicide and suicide-related outcomes. The United States Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) launched in 1996 is a good example of an evidence-based multifaceted program focusing on leadership involvement and whole community-level efforts. For early identification and management of an at-risk population, AFSPP aims to encourage help-seeking and reduce stigma by changing the community's social norms regarding mental health and suicide. The present study reviewed the key elements of this successful intervention and made a proposal for improving the suicide prevention strategy in the Korean armed forces. This review might be useful for establishing a comprehensive intervention in local communities and organizations outside of the military.
