Training and attitudes related to suicidal behavior among Family Health Strategy professionals

Abstract

Objective: to investigate, among Family Health Strategy (FHS) professionals, the association between training and attitudes related to suicidal behavior. Method: a  quantitative study developed with 65 FHS team professionals from a city of Minas Gerais. Data were collected by self-application of the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Questionnaire of Attitudes to Suicidal Behavior (Questionário de Atitudes Frente ao Comportamento Suicida, QUACS). Descriptive statistics,
association and correlation tests were used. Results: most of the participants reported no suicide training (89%) and denied reading specific material (54%). Suicide training was associated with
greater self-perceived professional ability (p=0.017). More negative attitudes were associated with a lower perception of professional ability and more condemnatory attitudes. Professionals who read specific material about suicide had both higher self-perceived professional skills and
less negative attitudes (p=0.023). Less condemnatory attitudes were found in people without a religion (p=0.000), who read about suicide (p=0.042), and who had contact with profession
colleagues who attempted suicide (p=0.013). Conclusion: in order for the potential of the FHS in risk detection, suicide prevention, and the treatment to be translated into effective actions, it is important to invest in training resources for the health professionals that make up these services.