Treatment Adherence and Recurrence of Suicidal Behaviour in a Cohort of Suicide Attempters in a Nurse-Led Suicide...

Individuals who attempt suicide are at high risk of recurrence and mortality, particularly in the first year. Nurse-led follow-up programmes can mitigate this risk through structured, therapeutic engagement.

To examine adherence to a nurse-led mental health follow-up programme and its association with the recurrence of suicidal behaviours.

This cohort study included 306 adults who had attempted suicide, who were enrolled in a one-year suicidal behaviour case management programme (SBCMP) led by mental health nurses. Outcomes for programme completers were compared with non-completers. Adherence was assessed at 12 months, while suicide attempts and mortality were tracked over 24 months.

All five scheduled SBCMP visits were completed by 48% of patients. Programme adherence was associated with significantly lower rates of psychiatric hospitalisation (4.8% vs. 11.3%; p = 0.036) and of repeated suicide attempts at 6 months (3.4% vs. 10.1%; p = 0.02) and 12 months (8.2% vs. 15.9%; p = 0.039). No suicides occurred in the first year; however, a suicide (1%) was recorded in the second year.

This study highlights the role of structured follow-up programmes led by mental health nurses in improving treatment adherence and reducing suicidal behaviour.

Integrating suicide prevention interventions in clinical practice is a cost-effective strategy to support high-risk individuals and improve outcomes.