Depression and Suicide Literacy among Canadian Sexual and Gender Minorities

Education and suicidal ideation in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Understanding predictors of suicidal ideation (SI) is crucial for preventing suicides. Given Europe's high suicide rates and the complex nature of SI, it is essential to also examine social determinants like education as potential risk factors for SI in this region. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the association between formal/vocational education and SI in Europe.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX) were searched until November 2022. Included studies involved European populations examining associations between education and SI. Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with the heterogeneity variance τ2 and I2 statistic; subgroup analyses were performed based on study characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using an adaption of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From 20,564 initial studies, 41 were included in the meta-analysis (outlier-adjusted, 96,809 study participants). A negative, insignificant association (OR = 0.86, 95 % CI: 0.75; 1.00) was observed between education and SI, with significant heterogeneity (τ2 = 0.09, I2 = 73 %). Subgroup analyses indicated that population type, age group, categorization of education, timeframe of SI assessment, and study quality significantly moderated the effect size.

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity across studies limits generalizability. The cross-sectional design precludes establishing causal relationships, and social desirability bias may have underestimated the association between education and SI.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests a trend towards a protective effect of education on the emergence of SI in Europe. Future research, preferably with longitudinal study design examining various covariates, should systematically consider educational inequalities in SI.

Title page: psychometric properties of literacy of suicide scale (LOSS) in iranian population: long form

INTRODUCTION

Suicide and suicide attempts are among the most important indicators of mental health in the world. In this research, the validity and reliability of Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS) was examined in general people over the age of 18.

METHODS

This cross-sectional psychometric study was conducted in 2022 among 952 general population in Iran. Participants were selected by two methods of proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling. The internal consistency of the tools was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and McDonald omega coefficient. Also, test-retest reliability was checked by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

In the confirmatory factor analysis section, the factor loading of all questions were above 0.4 and one questions were deleted and final model with four factors and 25 questions was confirmed (Some of goodness-of-fit indexes: AGFI = 0.910, RMSEA = 0.050, IFI = 0.901, and χ2/df = 3.333). For all questions, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.859, McDonald omega coefficient was 0.866, and ICC was 0.895. Finally, the Persian long version of LOSS was approved with 25 items and four subscales: causes/triggers (9 items), risk factors (7 items), signs and symptoms (5 items) and treatment/prevention (4 items).

CONCLUSION

The Persian long version of LOSS with four subscales and 25 items is an appropriate tool to investigate the state of suicide literacy in the public population.

Predictive Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Spanish University Students: A Health, Preventive, Social, and Cultural Approach

Suicide, as the ultimate expression of suicidal ideation, has accompanied human beings throughout history within specific social and cultural contexts. However, in recent decades the increase in suicides, especially in developed countries after the Second Demographic Transition and the rise of postmaterialist values, has been increasing in the youth population. This study is created from a quantitative perspective and aims to determine the predictors of suicidal ideation in university students in Spain. The fieldwork was carried out in a large sample of Spanish universities over several weeks in 2022, with the participation of hundreds of university students (n = 1472). The predictors of suicidal ideation were gender, types of social relationships, history of bullying, health status, taking antidepressant medication, increased anxiety after COVID-19, economic difficulties in continuing studies, and perspective on their future. The results highlight the need for the greater involvement of universities by establishing programs for preventing, detecting, and treating suicidal ideation, always in coordination with health systems to prevent further suicides in their university community.

The Literacy of Suicide Scale

Background: Until recently, little was known about the public's knowledge of suicide or its association with help-seeking. Aims: In this article we describe the development, validation, and application of the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS). Method: A total of 658 people participated in the development of the LOSS, while 191 participated in a validation study. Item response theory was used to identify LOSS items. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to ascertain the breadth of use and application of the LOSS. Results: Overall, 26 items were selected for the final version of the LOSS, with 12 items identified for a short form of the scale. The LOSS has been included in 25 studies across nine countries with general community, student, and clinical populations. The LOSS has demonstrated change in response to psychoeducation interventions and is associated with suicide stigma and help-seeking in select studies. Limitations: Further validation of the LOSS in clinical populations is needed. Conclusion: The LOSS is a comprehensive measure of suicide literacy that may be used to identify knowledge gaps, inform awareness-raising activities, and assess the effectiveness of interventions to improve suicide literacy. The LOSS has been used in a broad range of settings, demonstrating application to diverse populations and cultural contexts.