Developing a suicide prevention action plan in Kisumu County, Kenya

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Health Policy Development

Background:

• Suicide prevention is a global challenge disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Existing suicide prevention strategies often rely on data from high-income countries (HICs), which may not be applicable to LMICs.
• The Kisumu County Government (KCG) in Kenya identified the need for a localized suicide prevention plan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the Kisumu County Suicide Prevention Action Plan (KCSPAP).
• To inform suicide prevention efforts in a Kenyan context, independent of HIC-centric models.
• To create a sustainable, data-driven public health framework for suicide prevention.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary workgroup and stakeholder engagement.
• Mixed-methods approach including literature review, data analysis (mental health indicators, death certificates), focus groups, and key informant interviews.
• Organized findings within a public health prevention framework and data collection framework.

Main Results:

• Identified higher rates of suicide completions versus attempts, with organophosphate poisoning as a leading method.
• Determined key risk factors (male gender, age 19-45, married status) and community perceptions (stigma, varied views on decriminalization).
• Highlighted needs for improved data collection, awareness campaigns, and integrated mental health services.

Conclusions:

• The KCSPAP provides a model for homegrown policymaking based on local evidence and knowledge.
• This approach offers benefits for suicide prevention in LMICs and can be adapted globally.
• Implementation of KCSPAP recommendations by the KCG demonstrates the practical application of localized strategies.