Which population-level intervention has documented evidence of reducing national suicide rates following its implementation in Sri Lanka?
- A Universal screening for depression in schools
- B Restriction of access to highly hazardous pesticides ✓
- C National helpline staffed by trained volunteers
- D Free distribution of antidepressants in rural clinics
Correct answer: B. Restriction of access to highly hazardous pesticides
Explanation
Sri Lanka implemented successive bans on highly hazardous pesticides such as parathion and endosulfan, and studies showed a parallel fall in overall suicide rates, since pesticide ingestion was the leading method there. This is a classic demonstration of means restriction working at population level. Helplines and school screening lack comparable mortality evidence, and antidepressant distribution programmes were not the intervention studied in Sri Lanka.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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