Uncovering Means Restriction Activities for Suicide Prevention That Have Been Undertaken in Australia: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives

To map and summarize evidence on means restriction activities that have been implemented for the prevention of suicide across Australia. Further, to provide an overview of the impact of the activities on suicide rates and ascertain barriers/challenges, costs, and any other relevant associated information.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature following JBI—formerly known as Joanna Briggs Institute—methodology for scoping reviews and recommendations by Cochrane Rapid Reviews. Four databases were searched for identifying all published material in English. Gray literature was searched through Google Scholar and state-based and national health commission websites.

Results

We identified five publications addressing means restriction activities implemented for suicide prevention. All studies describe restriction of access to places where there had been suicides by jumping from a height. The studies concluded that mean restriction activities were valuable in the prevention of suicide by jumping. Further, we reviewed four additional publications describing activities that restricted access to means (e.g., firearms legislation) but where the intervention was not aimed at suicide prevention per se, albeit suicide rates were reported.

Conclusion

Despite there being few studies available, our review identifies evidence on means restriction activities for the prevention of suicide implemented within Australia and provides a summary of implemented interventions that have been reported to be associated with a decrease in suicide rates. In particular, the apparent benefit of structural interventions at jumping sites supports their broader adoption: any such future activities require careful evaluation.