J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.  2023 Oct;29(3):123-130. 10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.123.

Socioeconomic Characteristics and Attitudes Toward Suicide Among Gatekeepers in a Suicide Prevention Project in Gyeongsangbuk-do

• Lee J
• Sakong JK
• Kwak KP
• Lee KH

• KMID: 2547837
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22802/jksbtp.2023.29.3.123

Abstract

Objectives
This study identifies the socioeconomic characteristics and attitudes toward suicide (ATTS) of gatekeepers participating in a suicide prevention project in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Through this study we hope to increase the understanding required to prevent suicide in the community.
Methods
We conducted a survey from October 11 to November 4, 2022, with 1,284 individuals from private organizations who participated in the suicide prevention project between September 23 and November 30, 2022. The survey established demographic characteristics, experience in participating in suicide prevention projects, awareness and need for suicide prevention and mental health services, and ATTS. The study conducted cross-analysis and chi-square tests to identify differences in responses according to demographics. An independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test were performed to analyze the comparisons between each measurement factor. SPSS 21.0 was used to process data and the level of statistical significance was set to p<0.05.
Results
The gatekeepers’ ATTS were moderate, with an average of 3.11 out of 5. Specifically, preventability obtained the highest score (4.07), followed by preparedness to prevent (3.96), incomprehensibility (3.74), and noncommunication (3.34). Conversely, resignation obtained the lowest score (2.05), followed by tabooing (2.32) and relation-caused (2.51). The scores for preventability and preparedness to prevent increased with sustained participation in the suicide prevention program, while those for suicidal process decreased.
Conclusions
Gatekeepers’ ATTS may improve as a result of participation in the suicide prevention project, with better results with continued participation. Thus, actively recruiting more gatekeepers and keeping them engaged in the program may help prevent suicide.

Keyword

Gatekeepers; Suicide prevention; Attitudes towards suicide