Evaluating the Performance of Basic Local Government Initiatives in Suicide Prevention: Insights From Korea

Korea's national suicide prevention strategies emphasize the role of local authorities. Evaluating local government performance helps determine whether suicide reduction goals are being met. This study assesses the performance of basic local government suicide prevention activities and explores their implications.

Data were drawn from the 2023 Survey on Suicide Prevention Activities. Seventeen indicators, covering both process and outcome measures, were used to evaluate performance. A composite score (0-100) was calculated by weighting and summing the indicators, with weights based on average scores for each indicator. The 229 local governments were grouped into four categories by urbanization and population size: large Si (≥ 300,000 population), small Si (< 300,000), Gun, and Gu. The maximum-minimum (max-min) value ratio was used to examine composite score variation.

Among the 229 local governments, 29 were large Si areas, 49 small Si, 82 Gun, and 69 Gu. Significant disparities were found across several indicators, such as the operation of community suicide prevention centers, availability of mental health professionals, and allocated budgets. Composite scores were highest in large Si areas (59.8), followed by small Si (59.3), and Gu (57.9). The greatest variation was in Gun areas (max-min ratio: 2.6), suggesting inconsistent performance.

There are notable disparities in suicide prevention performance among Korea's basic local governments. Customized strategies that reflect local capacities and contexts are essential to reduce these gaps and improve overall effectiveness.