Predictors of an android-based suicide risk prevention program in higher education

Introduction: The threat of suicide risk represents a serious psychiatric emergency within society. The implementation of digital-based suicide risk prevention behavior programs on university campuses has been suboptimal due to various factors, including the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of Gatekeepers. Therefore, this study aims to assess the determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy concerning suicide risk prevention behavior in higher education nursing institutions.

Methods: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional approach through an online questionnaire administered to 150 Gatekeepers. The sample was proportionally randomized, including students, educational service staff, and lecturers within the campus environment. Data collection was conducted using an online questionnaire. A One-Way ANOVA probability test was utilized to evaluate differences in basic socio-demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the predictors of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy concerning suicide prevention behavior. The scores for these three predictors were standardized based on data distribution, and the results were expressed as regression coefficients with a 95% confidence interval.

Results: This longitudinal survey involved 150 Gatekeepers, all of whom completed the survey. The model testing results demonstrated that the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of Gatekeepers are significant predictors of suicide risk prevention behavior. The variables of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy collectively accounted for 68.5% of the variance in students’ suicide risk prevention behavior (R² = 0.685), with the remaining 31.5% influenced by other variables outside the model. Individually, knowledge (p = 0.037), attitudes (p = 0.043), and self-efficacy (p = 0.024) were all significant contributors to suicide risk prevention behavior among students.

Conclusion: Gatekeepers in higher education health institutions still feel inadequately prepared to handle real-life suicide risk situations. This is mainly due to the fact that the majority of campus Gatekeepers have not entirely performed their roles, and no agreed-upon suicide risk prevention planning exists between primary healthcare providers, hospitals, and campuses. The levels of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of Gatekeepers are key predictors of their suicide risk prevention behavior.