RADAR: a program for the prevention of suicide in adolescents in the region of Aysen, Chile, preliminary results

Abstract

Objective: we present the preliminary results of the implementation of RADAR: a community suicide prevention program in adolescents implemented in two high schools in a south region of Chile.

Method: In a pilot study, during 2016, we implemented RADAR in two high schools of Puerto Aysen, in in the Region of Aysen of Chile. A total of 409 actors were trained (among students, school teachers, caregivers and health professionals) for the screening and referral of high suicide risk adolescents.

Results: Out of a total of 144 students who passed the RADAR screening systems, 29 cases were detected as suicide risk (20%) and 27 of them were opportunely referred to the Emergency Service of the Hospital of Puerto Aysen. In the second RADAR screening campaign, 3 months later, 90% of the cases no longer presented suicide risk.

Conclusion: These results show the high proportion of adolescents at risk of suicide who are not visible by the health system and the feasibility of implementing RADAR in the community as an effective suicide prevention intervention.