The Role of New Technologies to Prevent Suicide in Adolescence: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background and objectives: Suicide in adolescents represents a major public health concern. To date, a growing number of suicide preventive strategies based on the use of new technologies are emerging. We aimed to provide an overview of the present literature on the use of new technologies in adolescent suicide prevention. Materials and methods: An electronic search was run using the following keywords: Technology OR Technologies OR APP OR Application OR mobile application) AND (Adolescent OR youth OR puberty) AND (Suicid* OR Self-harm OR self-destruction). Inclusion criteria were: English language, published in a peer-reviewed journal, suicide prevention with the use of new technologies among adolescents. Results: Our search strategy yielded a total of 12 studies on the use of telemedicine, 7 on mobile applications, and 3 on language detection. We also found heterogeneity regarding the study design: 3 are randomized controlled trials (RCT), 13 are open-label single group trials, 2 are randomized studies, and 1 is a cross-sectional study. Telemedicine was the most adopted tool, especially web-based approaches. Mobile applications mostly focused on screening of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, and for clinical monitoring through the use of text messages. Although telepsychiatry and mobile applications can provide a fast and safe tool, supporting and preceding a face-to-face clinical assessment, only a few studies demonstrated efficacy in preventing suicide among adolescents through the use of these interventions. Some studies suggested algorithms able to recognize people at risk of suicide from the exploration of the language on social media posts. Conclusions: New technologies were found to be well accepted and tolerated supports for suicide prevention in adolescents. However, to date, few data support the use of such interventions in clinical practice and preventive strategies. Further studies are needed to test their efficacy in suicide prevention among adolescents and young adults.

A mixed-methods systematic review of suicide prevention interventions involving multisectoral collaborations

“…However, in this systematic review, regardless of the level and depth of engagement by a variety of stakeholders, the methodological quality in over half of the studies, while appropriate, was weak. This is comparable to the quality of evidence produced by traditional research approaches [ 72 , 73 ]. We recommend the investigation of whether, over time, improved approaches to multisectoral collaborations lead to increased use of rigorous research methods, a core principle of co-creation of new knowledge [ 9 ].…”

Asymmetric relationships between information and communication technology (ICT), globalization, and human development in India: evidence from non-linear ARDL analysis

“…Ejemeyovwi et al (2019) argued that internet usage plays a significant role in improving human development in 15 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). However, the ICT penetration has both positive and negative societal effect as evident from the literature (Forte et al 2021;UNCTAD 2011;Gunduz 2007;Quaglio and Millar 2020) and a summary of the details is reported in Appendix.…”

Technology-Based Peer Support Interventions for Adolescents with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Review

“…Finally, there was significant variability in the types of medical and patient-reported outcomes in the studies identified in this review, with notable gaps in critical outcomes like suicide prevention. While some studies show promise in using technology to decrease suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents, more research is needed on the usage of peer support in these interventions (Forte et al, 2021).…”