Evaluating the global landscape of suicide helpline service a global survey across 105 countries

Vaghela, Gladson, Truong, Le Van, Thu Trang, Vu Thi, et al, . and White, James ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8371-8453 2025. Evaluating the global landscape of suicide helpline service a global survey across 105 countries. The Lancet Psychiatry 12 (2) , pp. 100-110. 10.1016/S2215-0366(24)00354-7 Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background Suicide helpline services (SHSs) are viewed as an essential part of suicide prevention. In the context of increased demand experienced by the services through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as reduced funding, we aimed to evaluate such services to help assess their effectiveness and resilience. Methods This multinational cross-sectional survey, conducted from Sept 1, 2022, to Feb 28, 2023, evaluated SHSs in 150 countries. Local collaborators created an SHS directory, and a 42-question questionnaire was distributed via Survey Monkey through Find A Helpline and local collaborators. A team of experts, including individuals with lived experience, helped shape the research questions and study design. We did descriptive statistical analysis of answers to the questions, and data were further analysed using the Bayesian Model Averaging method to predict managers’ or supervisors’ low overall satisfaction with the service (MS-LOSS). Findings The study involved 446 responses from 105 countries for descriptive statistics. 354 (79·4%) of 446 services had insufficient funding, 249 (55·8%) had post-COVID-19 budget reductions, and 278 (62·3%) observed a sharp rise in suicide help requests during the COVID-19 pandemic. 420 responses were used for finding the optimal logistic model, which had an area under the curve of 0·679, indicating that pre-service training for volunteers was significantly associated with a reduction in MS-LOSS (odds ratio 0·16 [95% CI 0·07–0·31]; p<0·001), as was having a quality assurance structure (0·15 [0·02–0·70]; p=0·030). Higher MS-LOSS was associated with staff training only every 2–3 years instead of one or more times per year (2·87 [1·23–6·85], p=0.016) and with dilemmas with providing services in severe cases (1·68 [1·06–2·68]; p=0·028). Interpretation Global SHS reports indicate that both pre-task and ongoing training for volunteers and staff, coupled with a quality assurance structure, could decrease MS-LOSS. Our findings emphasise the need for training for volunteers, continuous training programmes for staff, and on-site support for individuals at risk of suicide.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Centre for Trials Research (CNTRR) Medicine
Additional Information:	Full list of authors: Gladson Vaghela*, Le Van Truong*, Vu Thi Thu Trang*, Abdelrahman M Makram*, I-Chun Hung, Mai Ngoc Luu, Nguyen Hai Nam, Randa Elsheikh, My Duc Thao Trieu, Le Thi Bich Trang, Zeeshan Khan, Cyril Nnaemeka Ikeanyionwu, Engy M Makram, Nguyen Tran Minh Duc, Minh-Hang Nguyen, Tan Weiling Amanda, Zia Baig, Karim Chafee, Shaimaa Yousry Fadel, Thuan Khac Nguyen, Aashish Lamichhane, Nguyen Ngoc Hoang Linh, Mohamed H Khalil, Rahul Shidhaye, Muhammad Ali Hasnain, Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Jeffrey Mayne, Humaira Maheen, Sujita Kumar Kar, Sandersan Onie, Paul Siu Fai Yip, James White, Nguyen Tien Huy, and the Global Suicide Prevention Network Collaborators†
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2215-0366
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 January 2025
Date of Acceptance:	14 October 2024
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2025 16:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/175165

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