Knowledge, attitude and gatekeeper behaviour towards suicide prevention among Pre University college teachers: A cross-sectional descriptive survey

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Death by suicide is a major public health issue among adolescents. Teachers are key professionals in identifying students with suicidal symptoms at an early stage. <h3>Aim</h3> The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and gatekeeper behaviour among teachers of Pre University colleges. <h3>Methods</h3> The present study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey among teachers (n=602) working in Pre University colleges of Udupi District in South India. Data was obtained from participants using a socio-demographic proforma followed by the Literacy of Suicide Scale, Attitude Towards Suicide Prevention scale, and Gatekeeper Behavior Scale. <h3>Results</h3> Descriptive analysis revealed that 97.8% of participants had inadequate knowledge, 99.5% had a negative attitude towards suicide prevention, and 89.5% of teachers had positive gatekeeper behaviour on suicide prevention. The teaching experience of the participants had an impact on their knowledge and gatekeeper behavior, but not their attitude. The logistic regression found a significant association between knowledge and gatekeeper behaviour with selected socio-demographic variables. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Improving knowledge and creating a positive attitude toward suicide prevention through awareness programs can be considered a key step for teachers of Pre University colleges.