Developing recommendations to improve identification, prevention, and response to suicide thoughts and behaviours among post-secondary students: A mixed methods study

• Published in: Journal of American college health 2024-03, p.1-12
• Main Authors: Hews-Girard, Julia, Leslie, R Diandra, So, Aaron Y, Patten, Scott, Ramirez Pineda, Ana, Saini, Harveen K, Tahir, Aleena, McPherson, Claire, Szeto, Andrew C H, Dimitropoulos, Gina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0744-8481; 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2325924

This study aimed to generate recommendations regarding how to identify, prevent and respond to suicide thoughts and behaviors among post-secondary students. A convergent mixed-methods design with Nominal Groups Technique (NGT) was used. Post-secondary and high-school students and their caregivers generated and ranked recommendations. A Codebook Thematic Analysis approach guided analysis of the NGT-discussions and extended understanding of recommendations. 88 individuals participated in 21 panels. Five key recommendations were identified: (1) increase student and staff education regarding suicide identification, prevention, and awareness of existing supports; (2) enhance rapid access to supports for those experiencing a crisis; (3) improve institutional academic supports for students following crisis; (4) reduce stigma; (5) improve communication regarding on-campus suicide. Common themes included perceived impact of attitudes, institutional barriers, and peer-support on suicide thoughts and behaviors. These recommendations can inform the development of student-centred interventions for improving mental health supports.