Navigating the Frontline of Suicide Prevention Among Youths - A Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes, Perception, and External Factors Amongst Social Workers in Hong Kong

Abstract

Suicide rates among youth in Hong Kong have reached alarmingly high levels in recent years, underlining the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies. Social workers play a crucial role in suicide prevention and intervention, yet there is limited research on their perspectives and experiences. This study aims to investigate social workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and external factors influencing their competence to prevent and cope with suicidal youth in the nongovernmental organizations of Hong Kong. The research employed qualitative methodology and conducted in-depth interviews with eight local social workers to gain insights into their training, application of skills, perceived effectiveness of prevention and intervention practices, and personal conceptualizations of suicide. The study also explored social workers’ recommendations for enhancing support from nongovernmental organizations and the government. The objectives of the study include understanding the perceived effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies, investigating personal beliefs about suicide and its causes, evaluating the application of training in practice, and examining the sources and content of suicide prevention training. The literature review highlighted the rising suicide rates among the population's youth, with factors such as academic pressure, family dysfunction, and mental health concerns contributing to the problem. Prevention and intervention strategies are discussed, including micro- and meso-level interventions focusing on individual resilience and support networks, as well as macro-level interventions addressing systemic factors. The review also examined the role of social workers in suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cause of suicide, assessing risk, providing support, and collaborating with other professionals and stakeholders. By gathering firsthand accounts from frontline social workers, this study aims to uncover gaps in competencies, confidence, and capacity within Hong Kong’s frontline social work face in addressing youth suicide crises. The findings are expected to inform improvements in social work education curriculum, training, stigma reduction, protocol, and self-care practices, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of social workers in preventing and intervening with youth at risk of suicide in Hong Kong.