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Azizy AH, Thontowi HB. Stigma, Support, and Ideation About Suicide in Indonesian Twitter: A Topic Modelling Study. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241253972. [PMID: 38739857 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241253972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Stigma surrounding suicide is a massive problem in Indonesia. Thus, it is important to study how conversations about suicide take place. We take a machine learning approach and study tweets with suicide keywords to understand how people converse about suicide or express suicide ideation. Tweets with suicide-related keywords were extracted from May to June 2023. 20,057 tweets were subject to topic modelling with an 11-topic solution. While most topics contain negative messages, no purely stigmatizing topics emerge, despite prior research suggesting overwhelming stigma. Various kinds of existential, emotional, and social tweets about suicide take place among Indonesian users, indicating that Indonesian Twitter users utilize the platform to express their thoughts and emotions. Notably, religious-spiritual keywords are highly prevalent, suggesting that in a highly religious society, there is a need for policy makers and awareness campaigns to frame their positive messaging within the society's religious context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrizal Hasbi Azizy
- Center for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman, Indonesia
| | - Haidar Buldan Thontowi
- Center for Indigenous and Cultural Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman, Indonesia
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Prazak M, Bacigalupi R, Adams K. Reincarnation Beliefs and Suicidality: Social, Individual and Theological Factors. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3834-3855. [PMID: 37815741 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Among African tribes, Inuit, the Druze, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, a diversity of attitudes toward suicide exists. The meaning of suicide appears to be largely a reflection of the impact of the death on friends, family, and the broader community; the circumstances of the individual within their community; and the specific religious implications of suicide. The interpersonal impact is seen as consisting of the material impact of suicide; the spiritual and emotional burden endured by the community; and norms related to suicide. Individual factors include the degree of social integration; the social impact of suicide before death; and how the individual anticipates suicide affecting their afterlife. Taken together, the commonly repeated notion that reincarnation beliefs lend themselves to suicidal behavior finds little support, and instead it appears that social and pragmatic issues shape the meaning and interpretation of religious beliefs which in turn buffer or facilitate suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Prazak
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Community Services, University of North Dakota, 231 Centennial Drive Stop 8255, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Rachel Bacigalupi
- Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System, 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS, 39531, USA
| | - Kimberly Adams
- Golden VA Clinic, 1020 Johnson Rd, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
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Citlak A. Suicide Among Monotheistic Religions: Between Sacrifice, Honour and Power. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3709-3738. [PMID: 37768474 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01919-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the problem of suicide in monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), focusing on their early existence and considering the original contribution of Christianity. The first part presents the main theses of E. Durkheim on altruistic suicide and the concept of honour. This provides an opportunity to examine the problem of suicide in monotheistic religions from a more comprehensive perspective and recognise a certain specificity of suicide that was absent in altrusitic suicide. The analysis of the problem in relation to the concept of honour is also a valuable starting point for complementary psychological theories. The second part of the article is a more detailed discussion of suicide in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The results provide a better understanding of the origins and nature of suicide in monotheistic religions whilst opening up a discussion on the possibility of suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeusz Citlak
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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Mahesar RA, Shaikh S, Latif M, Azeema N, Solangi A, Abro SY. Analysis of Newspaper Reporting of Non-fatal Suicide Attempts During the Covid-19 Lockdown in Pakistan. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231172342. [PMID: 37080193 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231172342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to observe newspaper reports about non-fatal suicide attempts in Pakistan during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: We performed content analysis of news reports about incomplete suicides from four vernacular newspapers of Pakistan between March and August 2020. Results: A total of 87 news reports about suicide attempts were examined; the vast majority of the suicide attempters was Muslims (78%), males (64%), females (36%) with (33%) mentions of age, ranging from 19-30 years, and married were (76%). However, occupation was largely missing from (93%) of the news. Self-poisoning was the commonly reported method in (65%) of suicide attempts, whereas familial discord was the leading risk factor for (72%) of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Although psychological intervention is crucial to reduce familial discords as risk factors, monitoring the mental health conditions of people vulnerable to suicide and the figures on attempted suicides should be maintained and collected nationally and regionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameez Ali Mahesar
- Department of Media and Communication Studies, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Shaikh
- Benazir School of Business, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Latif
- Department of Education, GC Women University, Sialkoat, Pakistan
| | - Nusrat Azeema
- Department of Mass Communication, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aneela Solangi
- Department of English, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Pakistan
| | - Shaila Yaseen Abro
- Department of English, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, Pakistan
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Social disadvantage, economic inequality, and life expectancy in nine Indian states. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2109226119. [PMID: 35238635 PMCID: PMC8915795 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109226119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceIndia is one of the most hierarchical societies in the world. Because vital statistics are incomplete, mortality disparities are not quantified. Using survey data on more than 20 million individuals from nine Indian states representing about half of India's population, we estimate and decompose life expectancy differences between higher-caste Hindus, comprising other backward classes and high castes, and three marginalized social groups: Adivasis (indigenous peoples), Dalits (oppressed castes), and Muslims. The three marginalized groups experience large disadvantages in life expectancy at birth relative to higher-caste Hindus. Economic status explains less than half of these gaps. These large disparities underscore parallels between diverse systems of discrimination akin to racism. They highlight the global significance of addressing social inequality in India.
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Ferrara P, Terzoni S, Ruta F, Poggi AD, Destrebecq A, Gambini O, D'agostino A. Nursing students' attitudes towards suicide and suicidal patients: A multicentre cross-sectional survey. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2022; 109:105258. [PMID: 34968930 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Education of nursing students can be a valuable resource in contributing to suicide prevention in mental health service users. The evaluation of students' attitudes towards a complex clinical issue is an important aspect of education that can expand traditional paths to acquisition of competence. Thus far, very few studies investigated attitudes towards suicidal risk among nursing students, and no data are available on Italian settings. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' attitudes towards suicidal risk across the Nursing schools in three Italian universities. DESIGN Multicentre cross-sectional survey incorporating a before-after design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A non-randomized sample of nursing students of the bachelor's degree in Nursing in three University hospitals was recruited. METHODS Nursing students completed "Suicide Behaviour Attitude questionnaire-Italian version" (SBAQ-ita scale); second-year nursing students of the University of Milan completed the scale before (T0) and 2 months after (T1) a specific lecture on suicide and suicidal risk. RESULTS Three hundred and fourteen students were enrolled (response rate 76.77%). The overall score of sample attitudes had a Median (Me) of 3.5[2.5;4] for the domain "Feeling towards the patient", 3[2;4] for the domains "Professional ability", 5[3;7] for the domain "Right to suicide", 5[4;6] for the domain "Knowledge". Improved median score regarding the domain "Professional ability" (0.015), and decreased median score on the "Knowledge" (0.021) domain were observed at T1. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the impact of an educational intervention on nursing students' attitudes, supporting its implementation to improve academic education programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ferrara
- San Paolo Bachelor School of Nursing, University of Milan, San Paolo Teaching Hospital, Asst Santi Paolo e Carlo. Via Ovada, 26, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Terzoni
- San Paolo Bachelor School of Nursing, University of Milan, San Paolo Teaching Hospital, Asst Santi Paolo e Carlo. Via Ovada, 26, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federico Ruta
- University of Foggia, ASL BAT. Viale Ippocrate 11, 76121, Italy
| | - Alessandro Delli Poggi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome - La Sapienza, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Anne Destrebecq
- Nursing, University of Milan, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Via Ovada, 26, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Orsola Gambini
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan. Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Armando D'agostino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via A. di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy.
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Stoll J, Mathew A, Venkateswaran C, Prabhakaran A, Westermair AL, Trachsel M. Palliative Psychiatry for Patients With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness: A Survey on the Attitudes of Psychiatrists in India Compared to Psychiatrists in Switzerland. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:858699. [PMID: 35693967 PMCID: PMC9178077 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.858699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative psychiatry is a new approach for the care of patients with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) which systematically considers biological, psychological, social, and existential factors of care. To assess the attitudes of psychiatrists in India toward palliative psychiatry for patients with SPMI and to compare these to the attitudes of psychiatrists in Switzerland. METHODS In an online survey, data from 206 psychiatrists in India were collected and compared with data from a previous survey among 457 psychiatrists in Switzerland. RESULTS Psychiatrists in India generally considered it very important to prevent suicide in SPMI patients (97.6%). At the same time, they considered it very important to reduce suffering (98.1%) and to ensure functionality in everyday life (95.6%). They agreed that palliative psychiatry is important for providing optimal care to SPMI patients without life-limiting illness (79.6%) and considered palliative psychiatry as indicated for patients with SPMI (78.2%). By contrast, curing the illness was considered very important by only 39.8 % of respondents. Relative to psychiatrists in Switzerland, psychiatrists in India were significantly more concerned about preventing suicide and less willing to accept a reduction in life expectancy, even at the expense of quality of life in patients with severe and persistent schizophrenia and recurrent major depressive disorder. At the same time, they were significantly more likely to advocate palliative psychiatry. CONCLUSION Most of the participating psychiatrists in India agreed that palliative psychiatry can be indicated for patients with SPMI. The comparison with psychiatrists in Switzerland highlights the need to take account of cultural differences in future studies of this kind. In summary, this study shows the potential of palliative psychiatry as a genuine biopsychosocio-existential approach which systematically integrates biological, psychological, social, and existential factors of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stoll
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anju Mathew
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Chitra Venkateswaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Palliative Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, India.,Mehac Foundation, Kochi, India
| | - Anil Prabhakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Anna Lisa Westermair
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital of Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Trachsel
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinical Ethics Unit, University Hospital of Basel (USB) and University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), Basel, Switzerland
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Siau CS, Wee LH, Wahab S, Visvalingam U, Yeoh SH, Halim NAA, Ibrahim N. The influence of religious/spiritual beliefs on Malaysian hospital healthcare workers’ attitudes towards suicide and suicidal patients: a qualitative study. J Res Nurs 2021; 26:723-740. [DOI: 10.1177/17449871211008520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There has been mixed findings on whether a healthcare workers’ religious beliefs contribute positively or negatively to their attitudes towards suicidal patients. Aims This study aims to explore qualitatively the influence of religious/spiritual beliefs on healthcare workers’ attitudes towards suicide and suicidal patients in the culturally heterogeneous Malaysian population. Methods Thirty-one healthcare workers from diverse religious backgrounds, professions and medical disciplines were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed the centrality of religion in determining healthcare workers’ acceptability of suicide, specific religious beliefs that influenced their views on the right-to-die issue, perceptions of the suicidal patient’s religiousness/spirituality, and the aspects and extent of religious relevance in professional philosophy and practice. Results Healthcare workers who could perceive the multifactorial nature of suicide causation had a more empathetic response. There were high levels of paternalism in the care of suicidal patients, involving unsolicited religious/spiritual advice practised as a form of suicide deterrent and social support. Conclusions The formal integration of religious/spiritual practices into the professional care of suicidal patients was indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Sin Siau
- Senior Lecturer, Center for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Lei-Hum Wee
- Professor, Center for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Suzaily Wahab
- Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UKM Medical Centre, Malaysia
| | - Uma Visvalingam
- Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Putrajaya Hospital, Malaysia
| | - Seen Heng Yeoh
- Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia
| | - Nur Atikah Abdul Halim
- Health Education PhD Candidate, Health Education Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Ibrahim
- Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
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Nicholas A, Niederkrotenthaler T, Reavley N, Pirkis J, Jorm A, Spittal MJ. Belief in suicide prevention myths and its effect on helping: a nationally representative survey of Australian adults. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:303. [PMID: 32539848 PMCID: PMC7296674 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Debunking suicide myths, such as 'asking someone about suicide could make them start thinking about it' is a common strategy in suicide prevention education. However, there has been little research investigating the relationship between suicide myths and helping behavior toward people at risk of suicide. We aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with belief in eight common suicide myths and the associations between beliefs in these myths and helping intentions and behaviors toward a family member or friend in severe distress or at risk of suicide. METHODS We conducted a random digit dial (mobile and landline) survey of 3002 Australian adults. We asked respondents about their beliefs in suicide myths, intentions to help a person in severe distress or at risk of suicide presented in a vignette, and helping actions taken toward such a person in the last 12 months. We weighted this data to be representative of the Australian population. Regression analyses were undertaken to determine associations between sociodemographic and exposure characteristics and beliefs in suicide myths, and between beliefs in myths and helping intentions and behaviors. RESULTS Being male, speaking a language other than English at home and being over 60 years were associated with the strongest beliefs in suicide myths. The strongest and most consistent associations were found between belief in the myth 'asking someone about suicide could make them start thinking about it', risk assessment intentions and behaviours and intentions to undertaken actions not recommended for suicide prevention. CONCLUSIONS Identifying those sociodemographic groups most likely to believe in suicide myths allows targeted intervention for suicide prevention education 'debunking' suicide myths. By isolating those myths that are most commonly believed, and their specific effects on helping intentions and behaviors, suicide prevention educators can target these specific myths to have the most effect on helping behavior. Our findings suggest that targeting the myth 'asking someone about suicide could make them start thinking about it' may have the greatest effects on helping behavior, and that men, those aged over 60 years and those speaking a language other than English at home could most benefit from myth 'debunking'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nicholas
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia.
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1 Floor, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicola Reavley
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Anthony Jorm
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Matthew J Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Level 4, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
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Zhong BL, Chan SSM, Liu TB, Chiu HFK. Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors of Chinese Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers: Attitude Toward Suicide Matters. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2019; 49:1199-1208. [PMID: 30315652 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the attitude toward suicide (ATS) and its influence on nonfatal suicidal behaviors of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant workers (MWs). METHOD Altogether, 3031 MWs completed the positive ATS Scale and structured questions regarding lifetime suicide ideation, plan, and attempt. Mental health help-seeking behaviors of MWs were also investigated. RESULTS Overall, MWs held a more negative ATS than the Chinese general population. The lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt was 5.5%, 1.3%, and 1.1%, respectively. After controlling for lifetime depressive disorders and other covariates, a negative ATS was still significantly associated with lower risk of lifetime suicide ideation (OR = 0.32), plan (OR = 0.22), and attempt (OR = 0.26). MWs with a negative ATS were more likely to talk to others and seek help by online/telephone consultation for their mental health and suicidal problems (p < .05). A more positive ATS was significantly associated with male gender, low education level, ethnic minority of Miao, low monthly income, and originating from western China. CONCLUSIONS The majority of MWs hold a negative ATS, which significantly contributes to their relatively low risk of nonfatal suicidal behaviors. The more help-seeking from others and online/telephone consultation in MWs with a negative ATS may lower their risk of nonfatal suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Liang Zhong
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sandra Sau Man Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tie-Bang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Psychological Healthcare, Shenzhen Institute of Mental Health, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Helen Fung-Kum Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Abstract
Suicide rates and risk and protective factors vary across religions. There has been a significant increase in research in the area of religion and suicide since the article, "Religion and Suicide," reviewed these issues in 2009. This current article provides an updated review of the research since the original article was published. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles on religion and suicide published between 2008 and 2017. Epidemiological data on suicidality and risk and protective factors across religions are explored. Updated general practice guidelines are provided, and areas for future research are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Edward Gearing
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, 3511 Cullen Boulevard, 110HA, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
| | - Dana Alonzo
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York, NY, USA
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Lee H, Seol KH, Kim JW. Age and sex-related differences in risk factors for elderly suicide: Differentiating between suicide ideation and attempts. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 33:e300-e306. [PMID: 28967671 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the age and sex-related differences in socio-demographic factors that influence suicide ideation and attempts in the elderly. METHODS The total number of subjects was 93 151, of whom 8441 belonged to the high suicide-risk group (2064 male; 6377 female). Following this identification, we investigated their socio-demographic information, health status, and depressive symptoms, which might have influenced their suicide ideation and attempts. RESULTS Residence in an urban area was identified as a risk factor for both male and female elderly in their 60s and 70s and female elderly in their 80s. Marital status showed a different influence on suicide ideation depending on age and sex. A negative perception of one's own health status was a significant risk factor that increased the likelihood of suicide ideation in all ages, except the female elderly in their 60s. No factor was identified that significantly influenced suicide attempts in the male elderly. However, in the female elderly, residence in an urban area and a negative perception of one's own health status were identified as significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that factors known to influence suicide ideation in the elderly from previous studies, such as residence area, separation from a spouse, education level, religion, and drinking, show changed influence as the elderly reach their 70s and 80s. However, a negative perception of one's own health status was a risk factor that encompassed most ages and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Medical Unit of the 7th Division, Korea Army, Hwacheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Ho Seol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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