suicide attempt data in a suicide prevention planning model susan e. becker ryan mullins mesa state...
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SUICIDE ATTEMPT DATA IN A SUICIDE PREVENTION PLANNING MODEL
Susan E. BeckerRyan Mullins
Mesa State College
Prevention Planning Model Steps 1-3
1. Establish Clear Vision & Framework for Prevention
2-A. Assess Demographics2-C. Assess Readiness for
Prevention2-B. Assess Resources
3-A. Prioritize Populations
3-B. Compare Populations, Risk/Protective Factors
& Resources
4-A. Promote Readiness For
Prevention
4-B. Implement Programs to Address Risks
Enhance ProtectionAnd Fill Gaps
5. Monitor Data to EvaluatePolicy, Funding &
Program Decisions
Step 2-A: Assess DemographicsSuicide Attempts in Mesa County (2007)
Method: Data was collected from all adult client contacts from the county mental health providers. Since not all those who attempt suicide seek help, these numbers are an underestimate.
Results
•21.66 % of adult MH clients at county provider•83.3% Caucasian, 11.8% Hispanic, 1% Asian•39.2% Male, 60.8% Female, Median Age = 35, range 18 – 62•43% of the suicide attempts were in the 30-49 age range.
•27.5% on Medicaid/Medicare, 57% in the 30-49 age range
•Problem indicators•35.3% Had previous attempt•18.6% Had a mental illness•21.6% Reported Anxiety Problems, 68.6% Reported Depression, 9.8% Reported Family Problems,14.7% Reported Current Substance Abuse Problems• 3.9% Reported a family history of suicide•38.2% Reported a history of substance abuse, 58% of those were female.•5.8% Were currently intoxicated or withdrawing from substances, 90% of those were female.•Males age 18-21 reported the most problem areas followed by males age 50-69. •Females reported fewer problems over-all, with ages 30-49 reporting the most problems (average of 2)
Use of the Planning ModelThe suicide prevention planning model is designed to facilitate the prioritization of community prevention efforts. In Mesa County, this has lead to focused prevention campaigns in high risk populations, including men who work in construction and energy production fields, as well as prevention programs in middle schools. The attempt data will allow us to examine characteristics and needs of the community to develop new goals and priorities for intervention.
Step 2-A. Assess Costs
Average Suicide Cost Estimates (Mesa County Colorado, 2007)National Average Cost Data
Medical Cost Per Death $ 2,091
Medical Cost Per Attempt $ 7,964
Work Loss Cost Per Death $ 1,012,040
Work Loss Cost per Attempt $ 13,715
Estimated Cost of Suicide to Mesa County in 2007
Costs Due to Suicide Deaths (N = 39)
Medical Costs $ 81,549
Work Loss Costs $39,469,560
Costs Due to Suicide Attempts (N = 128)
Medical Costs $ 1,019,392
Work Loss Costs $ 1,755,520
Total Cost of Suicide in Mesa County 2007 $42,326,021
Step 2-B & C: Assess Resources & Readiness for Prevention
Resources •The prevention coalition has a variety of training resources available for community partners.
•ASIST 16 hour training – offered for college and continuing ed. credit•Safe Teen – middle school based program for kids, parents and staff•QPR training – 1-2 hour training for larger groups and community organizations (e.g. church groups)
Readiness•The biggest change in our community has been people’s willingness to have a dialogue and create funding for programs
•Suicide Prevention Foundation•Yearly Town Hall Meetings•Walk for Hope, Golf for Hope
Step 3-A: Prioritize Populations •In Mesa County there are 1.5 female attempts for each male attempt.
•This is half the national ratio of suicide attempts.
•Previous attempts are considered when assessing severity of risk. Male attempters are much less likely to have a previous attempt than female attempters.
•Hi priority prevention efforts should focus on adults with substance abuse problems, and people with potential mood disorders.
•The data suggest focused prevention efforts for adult middle age women, given the higher rate of attempts in that segment of the population.
The Next Steps•Given the high percentage of suicide attempts in the MH outpatient population, MH providers need to offer effective training for all staff responsible for assessing risk and treating suicidal behavior, based on the specialized populations being seen
•We need to add focused prevention efforts for middle age women, particularly those of lower income who may not qualify for Medicaid/Medicare
Planning Model Steps 3-5