The effect of oncology-specific suicide prevention program on oncology nurses’ levels of suicide literacy, suicide stigma, and efficacy perception for suicide risk management: a randomized controlled study

Cancer patients have a higher suicide risk than the general population. Oncology nurses play a critical role in assessing and managing this risk. However, they often lack the necessary awareness, knowledge, and skills. This study developed an Oncology-Specific Suicide Prevention Program (OSP) for oncology nurses. It aims to assess how the OSP affects nurses’ suicide literacy, suicide stigma, and efficacy in suicide risk management.

Researchers developed the OSP based on findings from cancer-related suicide studies. The intervention included three structured online sessions for the experimental group, each session addressing specific aspects of suicide prevention strategies in oncology care. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 86 nurses from two oncology hospitals in Ankara. Nurses were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 43) or a control group (n = 43) after stratifying by years of work experience. The control group received usual in-service training. Researchers collected data using the descriptive information form, the literacy of suicide scale, the stigma of suicide scale, and the efficacy perception scale for suicide risk management for oncology nurses.

The experimental group showed a significant increase in suicide literacy (p < 0.001) and efficacy perception for suicide risk management (p < 0.001). They also showed a decrease in suicide stigma (p = 0.013) compared to the control group. These effects were measured at the end of the program and 3 months later.

Integrating the OSP into in-service training for oncology units and national and international suicide prevention strategies is suggested.