MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC OPINION OF THE INHABITANTS OF GRODNO REGION ON THE ISSUE OF SUICIDE AS THE BASIS FOR PREVENTION

The aim of the survey was to characterize public opinion on the problem of suicide and to identify the effect of social status of respondent on it. Material and methods. With the use of specifically developed questionnaire 1602 residents of Grodno region aged from 18 to 70 years were interviewed. Results. Public opinion on suicides is mostly negative. Suicide is seen as a manifestation of "weakness of character" in the desire to "get away from the problems", or as a consequence of the disease. The status of "subject" and "object" of social relations is reflected in the individual's opinion on suicide, the attitude is determined by the social status in greater degree than by the financial one. This fact illustrates the potential of such management tool in organizations as organizational culture, in the complex prevention of suicides among the working population. Conclusion: Public health resources are in demand for suicide prevention, what confirms high social effectiveness of preventive measures of medical-organizational character.