Effect of community interventions for the prevention of suicide in adolescents and young adults: a scoping review.

Introduction: Suicide is a significant public health issue, especially in middle- and low-income countries, with higher rates among young people. Suicidal behavior includes suicide, suicidal ideation, attempts, and gestures, each with distinct definitions. Community-based interventions are crucial for suicide prevention, but there is limited research on their effectiveness, especially in low-resource settings. This review aims to assess and categorize such interventions for adolescents and young adults globally. Objective: To assess the effect of community interventions for the prevention of suicide in adolescents and young adults. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR extension. The goal was to examine the effectiveness of community-based interventions for suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults (15-30 years). After searching various databases, articles were independently reviewed, and selected studies were analyzed in collaborative meetings to reach conclusions regarding the validity and outcomes of the interventions. Results: 2162 references were found, but only 12 studies met the eligibility criteria for the analysis phase. The studies explored various community-based suicide prevention interventions, including educational programs for parents, dialectical behavioral therapy, and culturally adapted initiatives for Indigenous populations. Key findings demonstrated reductions in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, though challenges such as small sample sizes, cultural nuances, and long-term effectiveness were noted.