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Planning for suicide prevention in Thai refugee camps: Using community-based system dynamics modeling
Emily E Haroz1, Shoshanna L Fine2, Catherine Lee3
1Center for American Indian Health; Center for Humanitarian Health; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Asian American Journal of Psychology
|March 7, 2022
Summary
This study used Community Based System Dynamics to identify effective suicide prevention strategies for refugees in Thailand. The approach enhanced local understanding and prioritized interventions to reduce suicide rates in displaced populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Global Health
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Refugees and displaced persons experience significant health disparities, particularly concerning suicide and associated behaviors.
- Limited evidence exists for effective suicide prevention programs tailored to these vulnerable populations.
- Recent spikes in suicides and suicide attempts were observed in refugee camps in Northwestern Thailand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform the selection and implementation of suicide prevention strategies in refugee camps in Northwestern Thailand.
- To address the urgent need for evidence-based interventions in a high-risk population.
- To optimize local suicide prevention efforts through a participatory approach.
Main Methods:
- Community Based System Dynamics modeling was employed through four workshops.
- Key local stakeholders and suicide prevention experts collaborated to build a qualitative systems model.
- The methodology aimed to account for the complexities of suicide in the context of displacement.
Main Results:
- The process expanded local understanding of the causes and consequences of suicide.
- Priority interventions for suicide reduction were selected by local partners.
- A qualitative systems model was developed to guide strategy selection and evaluation.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully applied a novel methodology for suicide prevention in displaced populations.
- The approach facilitated the identification of context-specific, promising interventions.
- This research supports the optimization of local suicide prevention efforts in refugee settings.