Suicide prevention for international students: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• International students in tertiary education experience unique stressors and barriers contributing to suicide risk.
• Existing literature highlights these risks, yet a comprehensive summary of suicide prevention strategies is lacking.
• This scoping review protocol addresses the need to systematically chart and synthesize available evidence on suicide prevention for international students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically map and synthesize the published, unpublished, and grey literature on suicide prevention strategies for international students.
• To identify the extent, range, and nature of evidence concerning suicide prevention in this population.
• To determine promising suicide prevention strategies for international students in tertiary education.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes Arksey and O'Malley's enhanced six-stage scoping review framework.
• Conducts comprehensive searches across multiple academic databases (CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, PsycInfo, ProQuest) and grey literature sources.
• Includes peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles, reports, and policy documents with no publication date limitations.
• Employs rigorous screening, data charting by three reviewers, and consultation with stakeholders and experts.

Main Results:

• This section will present the findings from the systematic mapping and synthesis of the literature.
• Identifies the scope and nature of research on suicide prevention strategies for international students.
• Highlights promising interventions and gaps in the current evidence base.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of suicide prevention strategies for international students.
• Findings will inform the development of targeted interventions and policies to support the mental health of international students.
• Dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and stakeholder consultations will ensure broad impact.