Preventing suicide by jumping in public locations: a systematic review of interventions

Abstract

Death by suicide is a significant global concern. Research and clinical practice have often focused on suicide prevention through mental health interventions and means restriction measures, but there is a lack of consideration of public health initiatives. This article details a systematic review of quantitative studies on interventions designed to prevent suicide by jumping at high-frequency sites. A total of 14 studies were included. Ten studies reported a statistically significant reduction in suicide rates after the implementation of simple measures such as barriers, fences, screen doors or nets, so these may be cost-effective ways for local authorities to prevent suicide by jumping. However, once interventions are in place at one or more jump sites, people may select a site outside the area – or another means of suicide. To limit the risk of substitution for another location, there is a need to consider interventions that encourage help-seeking, such as signs, telephones and crisis phone lines.

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ORCID for Samuel Woodnutt: orcid.org/0000-0001-6821-3158

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