Urban-rural influences on suicidality: gaps in the existing literature and recommendations for future research

Suicide is a major public health issue of particular concern among rural populations, which experience a consistently higher suicide rate than urban areas. Although extensive research efforts have been directed towards understanding suicidality and related factors, there is a continued lack of clinically useful factors to target preventive measures, particularly among some regional and demographic groups. This suggests limitations in the conceptualisation of this important construct. A review of the literature was undertaken, using a snowballing and saturation approach. Literature was considered relevant if it addressed the research question ‘what are the current limitations in research on urban/rural influences on suicidality?’ Findings were used to develop a set of guidelines to inform future research. A number of gaps in existing research relevant to limitations in rural suicide research were identified: inconsistencies in terminology; a focus on high-end suicidal behaviours; a disproportionate focus on urban populations; a dominance of cross-sectional research; and a high use of clinical samples. These limitations are discussed in terms of their implications for rural suicidality, and are used to support the development of recommendations for future research, with a focus on encouraging consistency and standardisation. A number of limitations can be identified in existing research on suicide. Targeting these specific areas can be an important step in addressing the current gaps in knowledge relating to rural suicide prevention