1. Purpose of the article
In the article, the authors examine the economic effects of suicide prevention programs targeted at university and college students in the state of Florida. The researchers consider two kinds of suicide prevention programs aimed at college students in Florida. These programs include general education on suicide and peer support group program (Sari et al., 2008). The general education program is a curriculum based program used in middle and high schools for suicide prevention while the peer support group program is designed to nurture and develop peer relationships, competency and social skills as a way of preventing suicide among high risk persons. The program works in both school and non-school environments. Therefore, the authors examine if these programs can have positive social benefits to society if carried out in universities and colleges.
2. Brief Summary of the Article
The article contends that suicide is among the leading causes of death among college going youths in Florida but no programs exist targeted at suicide prevention for this population segment. As such, the researchers conduct a study to assess the benefits of two types of programs that can help college and university students and ensure that they do not commit suicide. The authors use these programs; general suicide education and peer support group program, to assess their benefits to society if implemented in the target population (Sari et al., 2008). The authors use a cost-benefit analysis approach in assessing the benefits of the programs and propose that positive net social benefits imply that the results can influence policy makers in the future. The researchers use a variety of tools to carry out their analysis. These include economic analysis of the prevention programs based an economic cost-benefit model and sensitivity analysis. The economic value analysis of the two programs demonstrates that both programs offer cost-benefit alternatives. For instance, they conclude that the programs can offer about $22 million each year if implemented for a conservative perspective. The authors also assert that several strategies and suggestions can offer guidance to the future cost-benefit assessment on suicide prevention approaches (Sari et al., 2008). They suggest that research studies at these institutions should use data refinement which supports cost-benefit analysis approach to suicide prevention. These studies can also target suicide victim families to know additional costs to the families regarding their coping strategies.
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3. Critical Analysis
The article offers enough background on the topic of study as demonstrated in its presentation and literature review on suicide theories and their influence to the two programs. For instance, the authors assert that while other social issues like fertility, marriage decisions, crime and substance abuse among others have been researched by economists about their economic implications, suicide and suicidal conduct have attracted least attention. The authors posit that economists have ignored suicide and suicidal conduct irrespective of its economic impacts. The authors also state that suicide is the third leading cause of death in Florida yet the state government has not made any effort to have suicide prevention targeted at college and university students. Further, the literature review offers a comprehensive background on the topic about the two programs and their efficacy in suicide prevention targeted at the population (Sari et al., 2008). Imperatively, the authors’ comprehensive literature review and background analysis demonstrate that they have sufficient background data on the topic, not just in Florida and the United States but the whole world.
The authors describe clearly their methodology in the research study. Using previous studies on the economic value and efficacy of two programs, the authors craft a cost-benefit analysis approach to assess the costs and economic benefits of such initiatives. The authors’ approach to the study relies on secondary sources but they use discounted value approach to examine the net benefits of the two programs. However, the methodology used by the authors requires a better understanding of the formula by all people, especially policy makers and middle and high school students that the programs target. Through the review of literature, the authors make a comparison between the costs of the programs and expected benefits.
The article demonstrates that the researchers use appropriate evidence to support the claims that they make in the study. For instance, to support their findings on the value of peer support group program, the researchers use data from the California Association of Peer Programs; an associated focused on ensuring that youth services are established and supported by community. The Californian program serves suicidal youth in the state and using its data, the authors demonstrate the cost effective benefits that Florida and her youth can derive from establishing such a program (Sari et al., 2008). These programs are cost-saving since they are run under the direction of the peers as opposed to paid professionals. The authors prove that savings are evident, especially during college years where friendships and associations have long-term influence on individuals.
A critical analysis indicates that the authors attempted to have all necessary information in their study. The review of literature is comprehensive for anyone to understand and be convinced that suicide prevention programs like general suicide education and peer support group programs are not only essential to reducing youth suicide but also offer a host of other economic benefits to Florida and the United States. The researchers make a comparison on the cost and the benefits that these programs can have on the communities in Florida. For example, they demonstrate that the net value from peer support prevention program is more than the benefits derived from general education program (Sari et al., 2008). Further, the cost of preventing suicide is lower as opposed to the cost of allowing it to happen, especially to the suicide victim’s family and even society.
The authors also discuss the usefulness of their study to public and mental health fields. Firstly, these programs can be aligned with the cost-benefit analysis models on drug abuse prevention program. For instance, for each dollar that state and national governments invest in drug prevention programs, they earn about $14.90 in benefits. Imperatively, this study is useful to public health because it will allow professionals to implement programs that are cost-saving and offer increased returns while helping potential suicide victims from committing suicide. Mental health professionals require the information from the study to understand appropriate programs that offer the greatest benefits at a better cost.
5. Impression on presentation
The article is well presented with a better organization and is easy to understand. The authors offer comprehensive and insightful information on the efficacy of their suggested programs for Florida’s college and university students. It is easy to understand the article and it offers simple descriptions and information.
6. Value of the article
The article has great value to the mental health profession and for students studying the subject because of its insightful data. The researchers prove that the two programs are effective and can be implemented effectively in Florida where such programs do not exist, especially at the time of the study. Mental health students and professionals get valuable and evidence-based information from the article and gain a better understanding on how communities can prevent suicide.
6. Recommendation
The article is recommended to any mental health professional, mental health student and other health professionals because of its relevant information. In addition, the article can be useful to other members of Florida, the United States and the world who seek understanding on suicide prevention strategies.
Reference
Sari, N., de Castro, S., Newman, F.L. & Mills, G. (2008) Should we invest in suicide prevention programs? The Journal of Socio-Economics , vol.37, pp.262-275.
