Means restriction for suicide prevention.
Limitation of access to lethal methods used for suicide--so-called means restriction--is an important population strategy for suicide prevention. Many empirical studies have shown that such means restriction is effective. Although some individuals might seek other methods, many do not; when they do, the means chosen are less lethal and are associated with fewer deaths than when more dangerous ones are available. We examine how the spread of information about suicide methods through formal and informal media potentially affects the choices that people make when attempting to kill themselves. We also discuss the challenges associated with implementation of means restriction and whether numbers of deaths by suicide are reduced.
Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Paul S F
PS
Yip
Eric
E
Caine
Saman
S
Yousuf
Shu-Sen
SS
Chang
Kevin Chien-Chang
KC
Wu
Ying-Yeh
YY
Chen
D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention