Reaching Suicidal People With Media Campaigns: new Challenges for a new Century

Five variables were investigated in the evaluation of Suicide Prevention Weeks held in 1999, 2000, & 2001 in Quebec: exposure to the campaign, previous suicide ideation, knowledge, attitudes, & intentions. After the 2000 campaign, a telephone survey conducted with a representative sample of 1,020 men revealed that only those actually exposed to the campaign had gained more knowledge of suicide facts & resources. However, the campaign did not influence attitudes or intentions to seek help. Results are not surprising, considering the low intensity of the campaign, especially in the media. Campaigns aimed at changing suicidal behaviours must be intensive. (50 refs.)