Background: Suicide is a critical public health concern in India, particularly in rural communities if India where stigma, limited awareness, and poor access to care heighten vulnerability. Community-based approaches show promise, yet culturally sensitive and feasible programmes remain scarce. This study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief suicide awareness and prevention programme in reducing psychological distress, improving suicide literacy, and enhancing life satisfaction among rural participants.


Methods: Thirty-eight participants (55% male, 45% female) received a tailored intervention integrating psychoeducation, mindfulness-based practices, cognitive-behavioural strategies, and interpersonal communication skills. Standardized scales of depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, and life satisfaction were administered at pre-intervention (orientation) and post-intervention (closing). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess pre-post changes and gender effects. Qualitative feedback obtained through the diary method further explored feasibility, usefulness, and cultural challenges.


Results: Significant reductions were observed in depression (F = 5.394, p < .05), anxiety (F = 6.659, p < .05), stress (F = 10.855, p < .01), and suicidal ideation (F = 12.879, p < .01), alongside improved life satisfaction (F = 3.845, p < .05). Gender and gender × intervention effects were non-significant, implying that intervention-related benefits were consistent across men and women. Correlation analyses revealed positive associations among depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation, and negative correlations between these variables and life satisfaction. Participant feedback confirmed increased awareness of suicide risk factors, recognition of warning signs, and knowledge of help-seeking resources. Challenges included stigma, sustaining motivation, and structural barriers to care.


Conclusion: A brief, structured, community-based intervention can effectively enhance suicide literacy, reduce distress, and promote well-being in rural India. Its comparable impact across gender highlights broad applicability. Future programmes should integrate stigma-reduction and culturally tailored strategies to strengthen sustainability and long-term community impact.