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Abstract
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BACKGROUND:
Suicide is a public health concern. Early identification of the warning signs and appropriate management and referral by the first contacts are of immense importance.
Aim and Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the change in knowledge, attitude, and awareness about suicide and its prevention following an educational program on the topic of suicide prevention.
Methodology:
A brief educational program was conducted for the nursing staff and nursing students of a neuropsychiatric institute. The knowledge and attitude of the participants were assessed through a validated semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed in a descriptive manner. Pre- and postscores were analyzed through a paired t-test.
Results:
A total of 57 participants completed the questionnaires. The mean knowledge score pretest was 14.01 and posttest was 16.70, and the difference between them was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The change in attitude is seen; however, on the Chi-square test, the change is not statistically significant. Only a limited number were aware of the useful practices and resources related to suicide prevention.
Conclusion:
Nurses can act as gatekeepers for suicide prevention, and there seems to be an important role of educational and skill-building programs to primary health-care workers (including nurses) in preventing suicide.
Language: en |