@article{ref1,
title="Suicidal behaviour in Belgian prisons: an overview and integrated prevention model",
journal="Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie",
year="2022",
author="Favril, L. and Audenaert, K. and Portzky, G. and Vander Laenen, F.",
volume="64",
number="3",
pages="166-172",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviour is a global public health concern that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society, including prisoners. <br><br>AIM: To map the epidemiology and risk factors for suicidal behaviour in Belgian prisons, and make recommendations to improve its management and prevention. <br><br>METHOD: A national case file analysis of all suicides in Belgian prisons over a 20-year period (2000-2019) and a large-scale survey study covering 13% of the prison population nationwide (n = 1326). <br><br>RESULTS: Suicide accounts for one-third (33%) of all deaths in Belgian prisons. One in five (22%) prisoners in Belgium have attempted suicide in their lifetime, half of whom (10%) did so while incarcerated. Female prisoners have a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts than their male counterparts. Risk factors for suicidal behaviour in prison include recent suicidal ideation, previous self-harm, psychiatric morbidity, environmental stressors, and aspects of the prison climate. <br><br>CONCLUSION: In Belgium, suicidal behaviour is five times more common in prisoners compared to the general population. We propose an integrated prevention model that incorporates targeted interventions aimed at high-risk individuals in combination with population strategies that promote the health and wellbeing of all people in prison.<p /> <p>Language: nl</p>",
language="nl",
issn="0303-7339",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}