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Review
. 2024 Dec 27;22(1):18.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph22010018.

Strategies for Reducing Suicide at Railroads: A Scoping Review of Evidence and Gaps

Pooja Belur  1 , Patrick Sherry  2 , Ivan Rodriguez  3 , Chetan Kurkure  3 , Shashank V Joshi  3
Affiliations
Review

Strategies for Reducing Suicide at Railroads: A Scoping Review of Evidence and Gaps

Pooja Belur et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

This review aims to systematically evaluate existing literature on reducing suicides along railroads, with specific focus on effectiveness, limitations, and research gaps in the current evidence base. Database searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL covering studies published until 30 November 2024. After screening 623 studies and their references, 51 studies were included; 26 empirically assessed rail-related prevention interventions and 25 provided relevant qualitative insights. Physical barriers like removal of grade crossings, addition of fencing, and platform screen doors (PSDs) showed significant promise. Full-height PSDs eliminated all suicides and half-height PSDs significantly reduced suicide incidence. Fencing was found to be effective but raised concerns about feasibility and must be part of a comprehensive approach to mitigate potential displacement. Safe media reporting was linked to decreased suicides and a reduced risk of contagion, and CCTV monitoring and suicide pits also showed potential but had limited research. Other strategies showed mixed evidence and required additional evaluation. Some studies, particularly on physical barriers, showed possible displacement effects to other stations, highlighting the need for studies larger in geographic and temporal scope. Our findings support certain prevention interventions, but generalizability is limited by scope of research and methodological concerns. Overall, our findings highlight the need for broader, long-term studies to confirm efficacy and establish comprehensive, scalable approaches for policy implementation.

Keywords: means restriction; media reporting; physical barriers; railroads; suicide prevention; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flowchart illustrating the identification and screening process for the literature review on prevention strategies related to railways.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of 26 studies related to railways across ten countries.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histogram of publication years for the 26 evaluated manuscripts on prevention strategies related to railways.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Histogram of average year of intervention implementation for 26 included studies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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Grants and funding

This research was supported by a grant from Stanford Children’s Health Office of Community Partnerships.

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