Health care personnel factors affecting recovery after a suicide attempt: Population study of professionals and users in Colombia

Objectives To examine the associations between workload overload, stigma towards mental disorders, cultural competence and the use of coercive practices in people who seek help for a suicide attempt in the Department of Caldas, Colombia. Design A quantitative cross‐sectional study with correlational scope using regression models. A total of 155 dyads were formed between individuals who consulted for suicide attempts and the primary health care professionals who participated in their care. Methods Based on a population‐based study of suicidal behaviour in Colombia, individuals who reported coercive practices in health care services were matched with health care professionals who provided their care. Users completed instruments assessing depressive symptoms, subjective well‐being, adherence and out‐of‐pocket expenses. Health care personnel were surveyed on workload overload, cultural competence, attitudes towards mental disorders and use of coercive measures. Results Of the 155 users analysed, 28.4% reported at least one coercive practice during mental health care for a suicide attempt. Perceived coercive practices were associated (adjusted R 2 = .699) with cultural competence and stigma, and related to depressive symptoms, lower sense of community, and higher health service spending. Users with a greater perception of the use of coercion were treated by professionals with higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, along with lower levels of personal fulfilment. Conclusions Professional and institutional factors significantly influence subjective well‐being outcomes, highlighting the need to strengthen cultural competence training and reduce workload overload in mental health services. Due to the cross‐sectional design, findings indicate associations rather than causality.