EPA-0079 – The Integrated Plan of Suicide Prevention in Belarus: Results and Limitations

Abstract

Objective.:

The Integrated plan (IP) is an interdepartmental document in the implementation of which 25 relevant ministries, departments, executive authorities and public organizations are involved. Aim of the IP to reduce the level of suicides among the population of the Republic of Belarus.

Methods:

developing of normative documents regulating the rendering of aid to people in crisis situations; teaching the workers of educational, health and social institutions to identify depression and suicidal signs at an early stage; implementation of multidisciplinary approach in rendering aid to patients in the «crisis» conditions; spreading information about the activity of suicide prevention services.

Result.:

As a result of implementation of the activities of the IP in 2009, already in 2010 it was observed that the overall number of suicides committed in Belarus reduced for 9.6% in comparison to 2009. In 2011 the rate of suicides reduced in comparison to 2010: in general population – for 12.3%, from 2478 to 2170 cases, with the relative rate lowering from 26.1 to 22.9 cases per 100.000 of population. The rates of suicides committed in Belarus in 2012 reduced in all groups of population in comparison to 2011: in general population – for 10.6%, from 2174 ?? 1944 cases, with the relative rate lowering from 23.0 ?? 20.5 cases per 100.000. The rates are minimal in the last 15 years.

Conclusions.:

The implementation of the IP of suicidal behavior prevention in 2009-2012 allowed to stabilize the suicide situation and to reduce the rates of suicidal activity of the population.