Suicide prevention-a public health priority in the Republic of Croatia

ISSUE/PROBLEM: Croatia records higher death rates from suicides than the average rate for EU member states. In 2019, the suicide rate in Croatia was 11.3/100,000 inhabitants, while in 2021 it was 15.1/100,000 inhabitants, with increase among 15-19 age group. The ratio of male to female suicides ranged from 2.2 to 3.85:1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: To reduce the suicide rate, the Croatian Institute of Public Health implements a program to increase mental health literacy and education about interventions in crisis situations among educational staff of primary and secondary schools in Croatia. As part of regular systematic examinations of school children, it is carried out from 2022/2023. academic year screening program for mental health risks. RESULTS: As part of the program to increase education for early recognition of mental health risks, 2,350 educational workers have completed the basic level of education so far, and 478 educational workers have completed advanced education. It is estimated that 70,000 students have benefited from the program so far, of which those who have a mental health problem (estimated at 14,000) have a greater chance of being recognized within the school. The YP-CORE questionnaire is used to assess mental health risks in the Screening for Mental Health Risks program as part of systematic examinations in school medicine. So far 18,498 students have filled out the questionnaire. A total of 9.52% were positive, of which 6.10% were boys and 13% were girls. All students at risk received adequate care in the school medical clinics, or were referred for psychological or psychiatric treatment, depending on the degree of risk. LESSONS: Early detection of the risk for the development of depression and other mental disorders, along with timely therapy, is crucial in the prevention of suicide, along with the empowerment and strengthening of social-emotional skills. KEY MESSAGES: • Early detection of the risk for the development of depression and other mental disorders, along with timely therapy, is crucial in the prevention of suicide. • Increasing of mental health literacy is important for early recognition of mental health risks.