A abordagem dos profissionais de saúde ao suicídio e aos comportamentos autolesivos

Abstract

Introduction: Suicidal behaviour is a growing public health problem with significant emotional, social and economic implications. Health professionals' understanding of suicidal and self-injurious behaviour is relevant to the development of effective interventions. Objectives: The study aims to analyse the attitudes of health professionals towards suicidal and self-injurious behaviour. Specifically, it aims to explore professionals' knowledge of how to approach these behaviours and their perception of the training received in the workplace. Methods: A multi-case study will be carried out with health professionals who voluntarily participate through an online questionnaire. Sampling will be of the "snowball" type, with the aim of reaching around 200 participants. Data will be collected using the Questionnaire on Attitudes to Suicidal Behavior (QACS) and additional questions. Data analysis will adopt an exploratory approach, comparing participants' responses to identify significant patterns. Results: The literature shows that health professionals' attitudes towards suicidal and self-harming behaviours are often negative. These behaviours are mainly influenced by a lack of knowledge and experience in mental health, cultural and personal beliefs, and stigmatization. Our study will contribute to expanding knowledge in this area by comparing the convergences and divergences of different contexts. Conclusions: The study should provide insights for the implementation of continuous training programs aimed at improving the technical and emotional skills of health professionals. In addition, the results can inform the formulation of more effective public policies on suicide prevention, promoting a more integrated and efficient approach in health services.