Presentation Information
[P-14-02]Exploring community Readiness for Suicide Prevention Programs in Urban Bengaluru: A culture specific exploratory study
*Meena Kolar Sridara Murthy (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences(India))
Keywords:
Suicide Prevention,Cultural perspective,Community Readiness
Suicide remains a critical public health crisis in India, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 39.
Recognizing the urgent need for effective interventions, this study aimed to assess the readiness of community members in Urban Bengaluru to participate in suicide prevention programs, their preferred modes of program delivery, and barriers and facilitators to participation. Using a mixed- methods approach, 50 participants (60% female, 40% male) aged 18 to 64 were surveyed using the Literacy of Suicide Scale and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed an average suicide literacy score of 6.72 and qualitative findings highlighted a strong interest (78% willingness) in participating in suicide prevention programs, with preferences for informal settings like small group gatherings and workshops over rallies or campaigns. Participants stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue, tailored programs to address specific community needs, open discussions and spreading awareness about suicide to combat stigma surrounding mental health. Barriers to participation included social stigma, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges, while facilitators included early intervention, education, and innovative outreach methods like social media. The study underscores the necessity of inclusive, culture specific, adaptable, community- based suicide prevention programs and suggests leveraging social media for awareness, particularly among younger demographics in the Indian context.
Recognizing the urgent need for effective interventions, this study aimed to assess the readiness of community members in Urban Bengaluru to participate in suicide prevention programs, their preferred modes of program delivery, and barriers and facilitators to participation. Using a mixed- methods approach, 50 participants (60% female, 40% male) aged 18 to 64 were surveyed using the Literacy of Suicide Scale and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed an average suicide literacy score of 6.72 and qualitative findings highlighted a strong interest (78% willingness) in participating in suicide prevention programs, with preferences for informal settings like small group gatherings and workshops over rallies or campaigns. Participants stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue, tailored programs to address specific community needs, open discussions and spreading awareness about suicide to combat stigma surrounding mental health. Barriers to participation included social stigma, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges, while facilitators included early intervention, education, and innovative outreach methods like social media. The study underscores the necessity of inclusive, culture specific, adaptable, community- based suicide prevention programs and suggests leveraging social media for awareness, particularly among younger demographics in the Indian context.