@article{ref1,
title="Self-confidence and knowledge of suicide assessment and prevention amongst first-line health professionals in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa",
journal="South African family practice (2004)",
year="2022",
author="Alabi, Adeyinka A.",
volume="64",
number="1",
pages="e1-e6",
abstract="BACKGROUND: First-line health professionals are uniquely positioned to recognise suicidal behaviours in patients. However, the opportunities are often missed or poorly managed. Self-confidence and knowledge of suicide prevention and assessment by health professionals can lead to prompt recognition and management of at-risk individuals. This study evaluates the first-line health professionals' self-confidence and knowledge of suicide assessment in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), South Africa. <br><br>METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six healthcare facilities across NMBM between January 2020 and March 2020. Five hundred first-line healthcare professionals were recruited to respond to a validated self-administered questionnaire to collect demographic characteristics, self-confidence levels and knowledge of suicide assessment and associated factors. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 344 first-line health professionals completed the questionnaire (68.8% response rate); 40% of the respondents work in emergency units and 77.3% reported frequent encounters with patients who attempted suicide. Most participants had not received suicide assessment training during their undergraduate or postgraduate years (59.6% and 81.1%, respectively). They also lacked adequate knowledge and self-confidence in suicide assessment. Younger age, minimal work experience and attendance of two or more hours of suicide prevention training were associated with higher knowledge of suicide assessment. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Findings revealed gaps in self-confidence and knowledge of suicide management, attributed to lack of training in suicide management. Health authorities should prioritise upskilling of front-line workers in suicide prevention and assessment, specifically targeting older nurses in the region.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2078-6190",
doi="10.4102/safp.v64i1.5377",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/safp.v64i1.5377"
}