Elsevier

EClinicalMedicine

Volumes 4–5, October–November 2018, Pages 52-91
EClinicalMedicine

Research Paper
What Works in Youth Suicide Prevention? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2018.10.004Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Highlights

  • This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the full spectrum of youth suicide prevention approaches.

  • Findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce suicide risk in young people can be effective.

  • Interventions delivered in clinical, educational and community settings appear to reduce self-harm and/or suicidal ideation.

  • The quantity and range of studies identified is encouraging, suggesting increased attention and investment in this area.

Summary

Background

Young people require specific attention when it comes to suicide prevention, however efforts need to be based on robust evidence.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies examining the impact of interventions that were specifically designed to reduce suicide-related behavior in young people.

Findings

Ninety-nine studies were identified, of which 52 were conducted in clinical settings, 31 in educational or workplace settings, and 15 in community settings. Around half were randomized controlled trials. Large scale interventions delivered in both clinical and educational settings appear to reduce self-harm and suicidal ideation post-intervention, and to a lesser extent at follow-up. In community settings, multi-faceted, place-based approaches seem to have an impact. Study quality was limited.

Interpretation

Overall whilst the number and range of studies is encouraging, gaps exist. Few studies were conducted in low-middle income countries or with demographic populations known to be at increased risk. Similarly, there was a lack of studies conducted in primary care, universities and workplaces. However, we identified that specific youth suicide-prevention interventions can reduce self-harm and suicidal ideation; these types of intervention need testing in high-quality studies.

Keywords

Suicide prevention
Self-harm
Young people
Systematic review
Meta-analysis

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