School-based self-harm prevention programs: A systematic review with implications for international implementation

School-based self-harm prevention programs: A systematic review with implications for international implementation

Authors
Liljedahl, S. I. Hellner, C. Pettersson, A. Ghaderi, A.
Year
2023
Journal
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
Volume
27
Pages
27
Both self-harm and suicidal behaviors have been targeted through school-based prevention programs, many of which have been developed in the United States. The aims of this systematic review were to assess effects of school-based prevention programs on suicide and self-harm and to evaluate whether they are fit to the exporting culture. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Our inclusion criteria, structured according to population/problem, intervention, control/comparison, outome, were: children and youth up to 19 years of age, school-based programs at universal, selective or indicated levels compared with teaching as usual or with other programs, and outcomes of suicide or self-harm measured at least 10 weeks after intervention. Studies without a control group or using non-behavioral outcomes were excluded. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted from the 1990s to March 2022. Risk for bias was assessed with checklists adapted from the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tool. A total of 1,801 abstracts were retrieved. Five studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria, but one had high risk for bias. Confidence in the evidence for effect was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Studies included in this review were evaluated with respect to applicability in the context of international export. Only two school-based programs demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicidal behaviors. Although implementation of evidence-based interventions is a crucial next step, further replication with simultaneous attention to dissemination and implementation issues are called for. Funding and registration: conducted on assignment by the Swedish government. The protocol is available at the SBU website in Swedish.

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Type of intervention

Preventive- and Promotive Health Interventions

Early Intervention

Topic

Mental Health Problems and Disorders

Emotional Problems

Self-harm/Suicide

Intervention

The organization of interventions

School/Preschoolbased Interventions

Age group

School Aged Children (6-12 years)

Adolescents (13-18 years)

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