Measures aimed at improving the provision of assistance in suicide prevention

Objective. To substantiate the effectiveness of a set of measures to improve the provision of assistance in suicide (SU) prevention.

Materials and methods. The legislative acts of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, the Main Healthcare Department of Gomel Regional Executive Committee on issues of work organizations of institutions involved in SU prevention were studied. The emphasis was made on the features of interdepartmental interaction of prevention entities when analyzing regulatory and legal acts. Data analysis was performed using the R programming language (version 4.5.0). Trend modeling, forecasting, and assessment of the effect of SU prevention interventions were performed using linear regression analysis. Relative indicators were calculated per 100,000 population.

Results. An algorithm for improving provision of assistance in prevention of SU is proposed based on the analysis of a comprehensive plan for the prevention of suicidal behavior of the population by region; an algorithm for interdepartmental analysis of cases of death from suicide, as well as cases of death from external causes with signs of suicide of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee; repealed order “On measures to optimize suicide prevention in the Gomel region”; methods for screening for SU risk (Ask Suicide-Screening Questions) within the order of the Minister of Health dated 26.02.2025 No. 194 “On assessing SU risk”.

Conclusion. The proposed algorithm for improving the provision of assistance in suicide prevention can contribute to a further reduction in the SU rate and achievement of the target indicator. It is also planned to exceed the target indicator for the organization and provision of assistance to healthcare organizations in the implementation of task 2 “Protection of mental health and reduction of the SU rate” of Subprogram 3 “Prevention and overcoming of drunkenness and alcoholism, protection of mental health” in accordance with the State Program “Health of the People and Demographic Security of the Republic of Belarus” for 2021-2025.

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