Contextualisation of the safeTALK™ suicide prevention program: a descriptive qualitative study

Background: Suicide prevention programmes have effectively reduced suicidal behaviours, increased knowledge and fostered help-seeking. However, suicide is a complex phenomenon, and its risk and protective factors differ across cultures. Objective: To contextualise the LivingWorks safeTALK™ suicide prevention programme for secondary school students in Nepal. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using focus groups informed by the Socio-Ecological Model and guided by Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) was used. The study was conducted in Nepal via Zoom™ from Australia, from September 15–30, 2024. Five focus groups were conducted with 18 participants, including adolescents, schoolteachers, parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Data were transcribed, translated to English and uploaded to NVivo v.14. A hybrid content analysis approach was used. Results: Data were presented across seven categories: 1. Factors contributing to suicide in Nepal, 2. The need for adolescent suicide prevention programmes in Nepal, 3. Stigma around suicide in Nepal, 4. Attitude towards adolescent suicide and the safeTALK™ suicide prevention programme, 5. Recommended modifications to the safeTALK™ programme 6. Readiness to implement an adolescent suicide prevention programme in Nepal, and 7. Challenges in implementing an adolescent suicide prevention programme in Nepal. Participants reported the need for adolescent suicide prevention in Nepal is high, and contributing factors to suicide are influenced by cultural practices and socioeconomic conditions. Further stigma around suicide prevents adolescents from seeking help. Some modifications to the existing programme were suggested by the participants. Some of the suggestions included translating the programme to Nepali and inclusion of Nepalese cultural practices. Minor modifications were made following approval from LivingWorks Australia. Conclusion: Suicide prevention is a major issue and requires further research to develop a culturally appropriate suicide prevention programme, especially among at-risk adolescents in Nepal.