Suicide Prevention across the Community: Evaluation of Mental Health Training for Multiple Gatekeeper Groups

Abstract

Introduction. The USA experiences higher suicide rates than the global average, with rural rates even higher. The present study examined whether a single suicide prevention training could increase knowledge, awareness, and intention to act among multiple gatekeeper populations in Kansas, a rural state with elevated suicide rates.

Methods. An evidence-based suicide prevention training program was developed by licensed clinical psychologists at a public university in Kansas and offered online to multiple recruitment groups: university faculty/staff and students, healthcare workers, and other community members on a voluntary basis; high school staff and students on a compulsory basis. Participants reported knowledge, awareness, and intention on a Likert-type scale and indicated whether they had completed previous suicide prevention training. 865 participants provided retrospective pre/post results. Paired samples t-tests were run on the full set and each recruitment group. Repeated measures ANOVAs compared results by recruitment group and previously trained status.

Results. Overall, by recruitment group, and by previously trained status, participants demonstrated statistically significant pre/post increases on all items. ANOVA found no significant differences between recruitment groups. Participants with previous training reported less change in scores but still increased scores significantly.

Conclusions. Findings support the efficacy of using a single suicide prevention training across multiple populations. This has implications for allotting limited resources in an environment of high need.