Evaluating the extent to which targets are achieved in national suicide prevention strategies

Several countries have implemented National Suicide Prevention Strategies (NSPSs), some of which include specific targets relating to reductions in suicide and/or suicidal behaviour. This study aimed to: (1) identify the proportion of NSPSs that include targets; and (2) assess whether these targets were achieved.

A comprehensive review of NSPSs was conducted using relevant databases to identify those with defined targets. Official agencies were consulted to verify target achievement and to gather data on suicidal behaviour.

We identified 54 national strategies for analysis, of which 27 (50 %) included specific, quantitative targets. Eleven of these strategies had passed their target date and had available data for assessment. Of these eleven, only two countries, Chile and Israel, achieved their targets. For the remaining nine, outcomes varied: non-statistically significant reductions were observed in Bulgaria and Panama. Ireland also saw a reduction that, while numerically surpassing its target, was not statistically significant. Rates remained stable in England, and increased in Northern Ireland, the United States, Scotland, and Uruguay.

Although the data were sourced from official records, potential biases may have affected the quality and accuracy of the analysis.

A significant proportion of NSPSs lack specific targets and even among those that have specific targets, achieving these remains a challenge for many. However, the presence of specific targets could at least facilitate the identification of barriers hindering the attainment of these targets.