202Attitudes and Perceptions Towards an Adolescent Suicide Prevention Program: A Qualitative Study in a Chilean Public School

Adolescent suicide is a public health issue in Latin America, and particularly in Chile. School-based programs have been described as effective mechanisms for suicide prevention. However, less is known about participants’ perceptions during these programs, which is essential for their applicability and adherence. This study investigated the perceptions of students, parents, and teachers regarding the implementation of the RADAR program in a vulnerable school in Puente Alto, Chile. This program aims to prevent suicidal behavior in adolescents by creating a community network that identifies and refers them to specialized care. A codebook TA was used to explore participants lived experiences with the RADAR program. Three focus groups were conducted with students, parents, and teachers at a high-vulnerability school. The information was transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a thematic analysis to identify the program’s perceptions, benefits, and challenges through the lens of CFIR. Teachers, parents, and students had positive perceptions of the RADAR program. Participants valued access to mental health professionals. Teachers and students appreciated that the program fosters open discussion about mental health. However, challenges, including low levels of understanding of mental health and stigma between classmates and families, insufficient communication with teachers about the program, and barriers to specialized care in the public system, were described by participants. This study highlights the need for parental involvement, enhanced communication, mental health education, and effective public policies to improve access to public mental health services. All the findings emphasize the critical importance of adapted suicide prevention programs and foster collaboration between families, educational institutions, and the healthcare system.