NCT07021404

The Epidemiology of Suicide Attempts and Suicidal Thoughts in Flanders

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 50,000 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Ghent · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The objective of this study is to collect data in Flanders on the incidence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation across various healthcare settings. The study also aims to assess the proportion of individuals who receive adequate aftercare following a suicide attempt and to systematically document the methods and means used in suicidal behavior.

Detailed description

This study involves the registration of the frequency and characteristics of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among individuals presenting to healthcare services (including general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, mobile crisis teams, and general practitioners). Participants will be evaluated using a semi-structured interview: the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation (LOES). The primary objective is to collect detailed data on individuals with suicidal behavior-including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts-using the LOES instrument. This approach allows for the collection of comprehensive information about suicidal individuals in Flanders and the suicidal processes affecting them. The LOES comprises two components: 1. Basic Assessment The initial assessment occurs shortly after the individual presents at a healthcare institution. During this interview, an emergency nurse, physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist evaluates the individual's cognitive functioning, judgment, emotional state, observable behavior, potential mental health disorders, history of self-harm or suicidal behavior, social support, level of hopelessness, and willingness to engage in follow-up care. Sociodemographic data and details about the current and any previous suicide attempts are also recorded. The goals of this assessment are: * To ensure the individual feels heard and taken seriously. * To determine the appropriate timing for a more comprehensive risk assessment based on the initial findings. 2. Further Exploration of Suicidality This second phase is conducted by a nurse, psychologist, or psychiatrist. It includes a more in-depth evaluation of the individual's risk factors and treatment needs. Standardized questions cover topics such as suicidal intent, suicidal ideation and concrete planning, motivations for self-harm or suicidal thoughts, ambivalence, experienced life problems, psychiatric history, potential substance use, coping strategies, and care needs of both the individual and their immediate environment. Based on the data collected through the LOES, a structured and well-supported risk formulation can be established.

Conditions

• Suicidal Ideation
• Suicide Attempt
• Multicenter Study
• Epidemiological Study
• Suicidal Behavior

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Semi-structured interview (Guideline for Suicide care and Evaluation =LOES)	A semi-structured interview is utilized in general hospitals and other healthcare institutions by clinicians and nurses as part of the psychosocial assessment, with the aim of collecting standardized data on episodes of self-harm and individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. The interview consists of two parts: Part 1 is administered shortly after admission to the healthcare facility due to an episode of self-harm or reported suicidal thoughts. It is conducted by a trained nurse or psychologist. This section collects demographic information, characteristics of the self-harm episode, history of self-harm behavior, perceived social support, level of hopelessness, and current suicidal ideation. Part 2 focuses on a more in-depth exploration of the individual's psychological state. It assesses underlying motives for the self-harm or suicidal thoughts, perceived personal and interpersonal problems, and current and current thoughts of self-harm.

Timeline

• Start date: 2006-12-31
• Primary completion: 2033-03-31
• Completion: 2033-03-31
• First posted: 2025-06-15
• Last updated: 2025-06-15

Locations

33 sites across 1 country: Belgium