Effectiveness of a Buddy intervention support programme for suicidal behavior in a primary care setting

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour is a major contributor to the health burden globally. Non-fatal suicidal behaviour may be 10–40 times more frequent than fatal suicidal behaviour. National responses to this crisis have been variable. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a brief Buddy intervention support programme with the World Health Organization Multisite Intervention Study on Suicidal Behaviours (SUPRE-MISS) programme with regard to a cohort of suicide attempters.

Method: Six hundred and eighty-eight suicide attempters were recruited into this randomised control study following admission and stabilisation in two community-based hospitals. They were randomised into either the SUPRE-MISS intervention group (control) or the Buddy intervention support group (experimental), and followed-up over 18 months. Data were analysed using SPSS^® 19.

Results: Three suicides occurred in the control group and one in the Buddy group. Collectively, 171 further suicide attempts were recorded during the 18 months, with 103 in the control group and 68 in the Buddy group. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant.

Conclusion: The Buddy intervention was found to be effective and relevant in reducing suicidal behaviour in the local community. These findings have practical implications for implementation at primary care level in all communities.