Suicide knowledge test: Development and application of psychometric networks

Suicide prevention relies on accurate knowledge. This study aimed to develop the Suicide Knowledge Test (SKT) and evaluate its psychometric properties. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 303 Peruvian adults. The internal structure of the SKT was examined using network analysis, and its relationship with the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help for Suicidal Behavior was assessed. The SKT demonstrated excellent reliability and a stable unidimensional structure. The analysis indicated that knowledge regarding strategies to minimize suicide risk and protective factors corresponded to the most central nodes in the network. Furthermore, suicide knowledge was negatively associated with stigma, supporting construct validity. The network structure was invariant across health and other professionals. The SKT is a reliable instrument that provides initial evidence of validity for assessing perceived knowledge about suicide.