Effect of Attitude Toward Suicide on Suicidal Behavior: Based on the Korea National Suicide Survey

OBJECTIVE

Suicide is a complex phenomenon; therefore, it should be approached in light of sociocultural perspectives and the general attitude toward suicide. This study aimed to extract factors from the Attitude Toward Suicide Scale (ATTS) and investigate the relationship between attitudes toward suicide and suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal idea, plan, and attempt) by using a representative sample of Korean adults.

METHODS

Three thousand Koreans aged 19 to 75 years were surveyed cross-sectionally in 2013 and 2018. The data collected were subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Extracted attitude factors were compared using a suicidal behavior continuum. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were constructed to compare the association between attitude factors and suicidal behaviors.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 477 (15.9%) experienced suicidal idea only, 85 (2.8%) had a suicidal plan without attempt, and 58 (1.9%) attempted suicide. Four meaningful factors were extracted from the factor analysis: "permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," "preventability/readiness to help," and "loneliness." "Permissiveness," "unjustified behavior," and "loneliness" factors showed significant trends across the suicidal behavior continuum. Permissive attitude toward suicide increased the odds of suicidal idea, suicidal plan, and suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.25-1.79; aOR=2.79, 95% CI=1.84-4.25; aOR=2.67, 95% CI=1.65-4.33), while attitude toward suicide as unjustified behavior decreased the odds of suicidal ideation and attempt (aOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.67-0.94; aOR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42-0.99).

CONCLUSION

A significant association was found between attitude toward suicide and suicidal behaviors. Attitude toward suicide is a modifiable factor that can be used to develop prevention policies.

Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Background: Medical students are at high risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: We aimed to obtain information on suicidal ideation among medical students in Dammam located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was assessed based on responses to four questions in the depression subscale of the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). In addition, data were collected to examine the association of suicidal ideation with various factors. Results: We found that 1 in 3 medical students in the study had suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, while around 40% had lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was associated with feelings of parental neglect, history of physical abuse, and dissatisfaction with academic performance. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits its ability to determine causality regarding suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These rates are considerably high when compared with rates from studies in other countries around the world. This study provides a reference in the field of suicidology for this region of Saudi Arabia.

Attitudes towards suicide and risk factors for suicide attempts among university students in South Korea

BACKGROUND

In the new global socioeconomic development, suicidal deaths have increased which is progressively gaining more attention in the field of psychiatry, social work, psychology, and public health research. The present study aimed at examining the evidence for the attitudes towards suicide and risk factors for suicide attempts among university students in South Korea and suggested significant recommendations for future prevention programs and research.

METHOD

A study was conducted by reviewing recent publications and significant research journals published since 2000 related to the study objective, themes, and drawn broader perspectives and implications. The recent journal articles from PubMed, Global Health journal database, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Academic Journals Database, WHO, and PsychInfo data sources were included. The study key terms were "suicide", "attitudes", "risk factors", "university students", & "South Korea".

RESULTS

The negative attitudes towards self, confusion of meaning in life, anxiety and stress about academic achievement, family problems, hopelessness, depression, and bipolar disorder were the main factors.

LIMITATIONS

We mainly included peer review journals in our study, but address the few relevant books and reports also.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors discussed important implications for future actions, including conducting relevant studies and regular collaborative discussions among responsible stakeholders.