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O'Dwyer ST, Sansom A, Mars B, Reakes L, Andrewartha C, Melluish J, Walker A, Biddle L, Slater T, Burrows D, Hastings RP, Moran P, Stallard P, Janssens A. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Parents Caring for Children with Disabilities and Long-Term Illnesses. Arch Suicide Res 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38949265 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2024.2363230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a growing body of evidence on suicide risk in family carers, but minimal research on parents caring for children with disabilities and long-term illnesses. The aim of this study was to conduct the first dedicated research on suicide risk in parent carers and identify: (1) the number of parent carers experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and (2) the risk and protective factors for suicidality in this population. METHOD A cross-sectional survey of parent carers in England (n = 750), co-produced with parent carers. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were measured with questions from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. Frequencies summarized the proportion of carers experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Logistic regressions identified risk and protective factors. RESULTS 42% of parents had experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors while caring for a disabled or chronically ill child. Only half had sought help for these experiences. Depression, entrapment, dysfunctional coping, and having a mental health diagnosis prior to caring, were significant risk factors. CONCLUSION Parent carers contemplate suicide at levels that exceed those of other family carers and the general public. There is an urgent need, in policy and practice, to recognize parent carers as a priority group for prevention and intervention.
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Low CE, Loke S, Rana S, Sim B, Ho CSH. Prevalence and incidence of suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm in caregivers of cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 90:35-43. [PMID: 38936297 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caregiving burden is set to increase with the rising incidence of cancer globally. The meta-analysis seeks to investigate the prevalence of suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm among the caregivers of patients with cancer (CPCs). METHODS This PRISMA-adherent systematic review involved a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and PsycINFO for all studies that evaluated the prevalence of suicide, suicidal ideation and self-harm in CPCs. Random effects meta-analyses were used for primary analysis. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. Meta-analyses indicated that the prevalence of suicidal ideation in CPCs was 11% (95%CI:6-18), suicide prevalence was 6% (95%CI:3-12), and self-harm prevalence was 15% (95%CI:8-26). Subgroup analyses revealed that CPCs above the age of 50 experienced a greater prevalence of suicidal ideation (17%, 95%CI:10-28) as compared to CPCs below 50 (6%, 95%CI:3-12). Family caregivers particularly spouses were also found to have a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (17%, 95%CI:13-23), as compared to children (5%, 95%CI:2-10) or mothers (3%, 95%CI:1-8). Systematic review found that having a pre-existing mental health condition and lower socioeconomic status increased likelihood of suicidality. CONCLUSION We highlight the need for more support of CPCs at risk of suicidality. Additional research is warranted to identify other risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ee Low
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sean Loke
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sounak Rana
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ben Sim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cyrus Su Hui Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Mohamad MA, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI, Shari NI. Similarities and differences in the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal behavior between caregivers and people with dementia: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:254. [PMID: 38486186 PMCID: PMC10941364 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04753-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with dementia and their caregivers are prone to suicidal behaviors due to difficulty adjusting to their initial caregiving role and due to emotional disturbances resulting from deterioration of functioning. The present systematic review (1) explored the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal behavior and (2) assessed the similarities and differences in the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behavior between people with dementia and their caregivers. METHODS A comprehensive literature search for research articles published between 1950 and 2023 was carried out using major databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Medline. RESULTS A total of 40 research articles were selected for review. A total of 12 research articles revealed that the prevalence of suicidal behavior among caregivers ranged from 4.7% to 26%. However, the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia was inconsistent, as only 17 out of 28 selected studies reported the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia. The risk factors associated with suicidal behavior among caregivers of people with dementia could be both self-related and care receiver-related factors, whereas risk factors in people with dementia were self-related factors. Notably, greater cognitive decline, which impairs individuals' ability to carry out complex acts and planning, may lower their suicidal risk. Finally, assessment of the risk of bias indicated that 95% of the selected studies had unclear risk. CONCLUSION Self-related and care receiver-related factors should be assessed among caregivers of people with dementia to evaluate the risk of suicidal behavior. In addition, we recommend evaluating suicidal risk in people with dementia in the early phase of dementia when cognitive decline is less severe. However, as the majority of the selected studies had unclear risk of bias, future studies with improved methodologies are warranted to confirm our study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Afifuddin Mohamad
- Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, 13200, Malaysia
| | | | - Nurul Izzah Shari
- School of Human Resource Development and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, 81310, Malaysia
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Zwar L, König HH, Hajek A. Wishing for an end? Longitudinal analysis of suicidal ideation among informal caregivers inside and outside their household in different welfare systems of Europe. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:736-750. [PMID: 37587572 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines whether transition to caregiving within or outside the household is associated with changes in suicidal ideation and whether this depends on the type of caregiver relationship, the age or gender of the caregiver, or the welfare system. DESIGN Longitudinal study. SETTING Ten European countries. PARTICIPANTS Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe were used (waves 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) including participants aged ≥40 years (pooled Observations = 171,848). MEASUREMENTS Suicidal ideation was measured using the Euro-D scale. Caregiving was measured as care inside and outside the household, and for different recipients. Fixed effects logistic regression analyses, adjusted for health and sociodemographic factors, were used. RESULTS Transitioning into caregiving inside the household was associated with higher odds of suicidal ideation, in particular if they transitioned into care for partners or parents and within Southern and Bismarckian welfare systems. Transitioning into caregiving outside the household was not associated with suicidal ideation, except among those transitioning into caregiving for non-relatives (higher odds of suicidal ideation), and among male and older caregivers (lower odds of suicidal ideation). Suicide ideation was higher among caregivers in Southern compared to Bismarckian or Scandinavian welfare systems. CONCLUSION Informal caregiving is associated with suicidal ideation among caregivers inside but not among all caregivers outside the household. The caregiver's characteristics, the care relationship, and the welfare system play an important role. Preventing suicidal ideation requires interventions that focus on informal caregivers and consider their individual and contextual factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Zwar
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Hajek
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Opoku P, Osei-Tutu A, Oti-Boadi M. Psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in Accra, Ghana. J Community Genet 2023; 14:565-574. [PMID: 37581869 PMCID: PMC10725383 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00662-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Caregivers caring for a child with a genetic condition may experience psychosocial distress, which may be compounded by the context in which the caring takes place. Few studies have examined psychosocial distress and support among caregivers caring for a child with a genetic disorder in low-middle-income countries such as Ghana. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the psychosocial impacts of caring for a child with a genetic disorder in an urban setting in Ghana's capital, Accra. We conducted individual interviews among 17 caregivers who were taking care of children with various genetic disorders including, albinism, Edward's syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, sickle cell disease, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three main themes on the psychosocial impacts, including: (1) self-blame, guilt, and shame; (2) sleep and mood disturbances; and (3) discrimination and stigmatization. We observed three themes about support: (1) psychological support; (2) family and community support; and (3) institutional support. Participants reported limited support from professionals such as psychologists. Discussion focuses on the supportive care needs of caregivers and implications for genetic counselling awareness, advocacy, and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Opoku
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Kisaakye P, Kafuko A, Bukuluki P. Lifetime violence and suicidal ideation among young women (18-24 years) in Uganda: Results from a population-based survey. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:1063846. [PMID: 37139174 PMCID: PMC10150090 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.1063846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Violence is a major global public health issue that threatens the physical and mental health of victims. Of particular concern is the increasing evidence which suggests that violence is strongly associated with suicidal behavior including ideation. Methods This study uses data from the 2015 Violence Against Children Survey (VACS). This study seeks to highlight the relationship between lifetime violence and suicidal ideation using a nationally representative sample of 1,795 young women (18-24 years) in Uganda. Results Results indicate that respondents who experienced lifetime sexual violence (aOR = 1.726; 95%CI = 1.304-2.287), physical violence (aOR = 1.930; 95%CI = 1.293-2.882) or emotional violence (aOR = 2.623; 95%CI = 1.988-3.459) were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Respondents who were not married (aOR = 1.607; 95%CI = 1.040-2.484), not having too much trust with community members (aOR = 1.542; 95%CI = 1.024-2.320) or not having a close relationship with biological parents (aOR = 1.614; 95%CI = 1.230-2.119) were more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Respondents who did not engage in work in the past 12 months prior to the survey (aOR = 0.629; 95%CI = 0.433-0.913) were less likely to experience suicidal ideation. Conclusion The results can be used to inform policy and programming and for integration of mental health and psychosocial support in programming for prevention and response to violence against young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kisaakye
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agatha Kafuko
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bukuluki
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This pilot study aimed to describe the phenomenon of suicidal ideation among caregivers who were aged 60 and over and who provided care for a person with dementia. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted, using a descriptive method. Semi-structured interviews were administered to caregivers who had or were having suicidal thoughts whilst caring for a relative with dementia. RESULTS Six caregivers were interviewed. Four caregivers reported experiencing active suicidal ideation whilst caregiving. Two subjects mentioned wishing for the death of their care recipient. While saturation criteria were not all met themes regarding suicidal ideation types and developmental contexts emerged. Findings suggest that family conflicts, placement difficulties, exhaustion, feelings of injustice, and loneliness contributed to the development of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Suicidal distress can emerge from the dementia caregiving context and these findings highlight a complex phenomenon among caregivers. The understanding of caregivers' suicidal distress is of great importance to guide screening and intervention efforts. Research is needed to keep the implication and well-being of older caregivers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Screening efforts should consider the caregiving context as a conducive environment for suicidal distress and clinicians could use this knowledge to provide specific interventions to distressed carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrée Teasdale-Dubé
- Département de Psychologie, Université Du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Aging, Montreal, Canada
| | - Charles Viau-Quesnel
- Quebec Network for Research on Aging, Montreal, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université Du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche En Gérontologie, Université Du Québec À Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
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Suicide probability in psychiatric patients' primary caregivers: The role of care burden, alexithymia and some risk factors. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2021; 35:457-464. [PMID: 34561059 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although suicidal ideation seems to be related with both burden of care and alexithymia, there is no study investigating the correlation between these factors and suicide probability in informal caregivers of psychiatric patients in the literature. AIM In this study, it was aimed to determine the suicide probability in psychiatric patients' primary caregivers, and to evaluate the effects of care burden, alexithymia and some risk factors on suicide probability. METHODS This study was conducted with 262 caregivers between February 2019 and December 2019. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Suicide Probability Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, Toronto Alexithymia Scale. RESULTS The mean score the caregivers obtained from the Suicide Probability Scale was 79.75 ± 59.29, and 17.9% of them were at risk for suicide. Also, caregivers' suicide probability was related to variables such as caregivers' sex, economic status, presence of any disease, duration of care, and patients' education level, psychiatric diagnosis, duration of illness, presence of physical illness, compliance with treatment. In addition, caregivers' burden and alexithymia levels were significantly associated with the participating caregivers' suicide probability. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that approximately one out of every five caregivers was at risk for suicide. Therefore, hospital and community-based intervention strategies to support caregivers should be developed.
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O'Dwyer ST, Janssens A, Sansom A, Biddle L, Mars B, Slater T, Moran P, Stallard P, Melluish J, Reakes L, Walker A, Andrewartha C, Hastings RP. Suicidality in family caregivers of people with long-term illnesses and disabilities: A scoping review. Compr Psychiatry 2021; 110:152261. [PMID: 34332205 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging body of international research suggests family caregivers may be a high-risk group for suicide, but the evidence has not been synthesised. Forty-eight peer-reviewed journal articles were included in this review, spanning low-, middle-, and high-income countries and a variety of illnesses and disabilities. The proportion of caregivers experiencing suicidal ideation ranged from 2.7% to 71%, with evidence of suicide attempts, deaths by suicide, and deaths by homicide-suicide also reported. Risk and protective factors varied across studies and there was little consideration of differences by caregiving relationship, type of illness/disability, or country. There is sufficient evidence to warrant concern for caregivers around the world and prompt action in policy and practice, but more rigorous research is required to draw clear, nuanced conclusions about risk and inform evidence-based prevention and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan T O'Dwyer
- University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Heath, University of Exeter, Heavitree Rd, Exeter EX1 2LU, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (NIHR PenARC), United Kingdom.
| | - Astrid Janssens
- User Perspectives and Community-based Interventions, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winslows Vej 9B, 1(st) Floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; Centre for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Anna Sansom
- University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Heath, University of Exeter, Heavitree Rd, Exeter EX1 2LU, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Biddle
- The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Research Foundation, United Kingdom; Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Mars
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Slater
- School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, 2.14B Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3WT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Moran
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS, United Kingdom; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Research Foundation, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Stallard
- Department of Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Richard P Hastings
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR), University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom; Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology, Monash University, Australia
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Delgado RE, Peacock K, Wang CP, Pugh MJ. Phenotypes of caregiver distress in military and veteran caregivers: Suicidal ideation associations. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253207. [PMID: 34115815 PMCID: PMC8195409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States (US) has been at war for almost two decades, resulting in a high prevalence of injuries and illnesses in service members and veterans. Family members and friends are frequently becoming the caregivers of service members and veterans who require long-term assistance for their medical conditions. There is a significant body of research regarding the physical, emotional, and social toll of caregiving and the associated adverse health-related outcomes. Despite strong evidence of the emotional toll and associated mental health conditions in family caregivers, the literature regarding suicidal ideation among family caregivers is scarce and even less is known about suicidal ideation in military caregivers. This study sought to identify clusters of characteristics and health factors (phenotypes) associated with suicidal ideation in a sample of military caregivers using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. Measures included the context of caregiving, physical, emotional, social health, and health history of caregivers. Military caregivers in this sample (n = 458) were mostly young adults (M = 39.8, SD = 9.9), caring for complex medical conditions for five or more years. They reported high symptomology on measures of pain, depression, and stress. Many (39%) experienced interruptions in their education and 23.6% reported suicidal ideation since becoming a caregiver. General latent variable analyses revealed three distinct classes or phenotypes (low, medium, high) associated with suicidality. Individuals in the high suicidality phenotype were significantly more likely to have interrupted their education due to caregiving and live closer (within 25 miles) to a VA medical center. This study indicates that interruption of life events, loss of self, and caring for a veteran with mental health conditions/suicidality are significant predictors of suicidality in military caregivers. Future research should examine caregiver life experiences in more detail to determine the feasibility of developing effective interventions to mitigate suicide-related risk for military caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana E. Delgado
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), San Antonio, TX, United States of America
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Peacock
- Department of Medicine, General and Hospital Medicine Division, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), San Antonio, TX, United States of America
- Center for Research to Advance Community Health (ReACH), UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Chen-Pin Wang
- Department of Population Health Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Mary Jo Pugh
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- IDEAS Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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Thapa P, Lama S, Pradhan N, Thapa K, Kumar R, Basnet M. Attitude Towards Suicide among Caregivers of Patients Admitted with Suicide Attempt to a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 59:374-379. [PMID: 34508530 PMCID: PMC8369585 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.6246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Understanding the attitude of caregivers towards suicide attempters could be useful in suicide prevention. The objective of this study was to study attitude towards suicide among caregivers of patients with suicide attempt admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 52 caregivers of patients with suicide attempt who had been admitted to a tertiary care hospital of Nepal after obtaining ethical clearance from Institutional Review Committee (ref. IRC/0797/016). Data were collected through interviews using the Attitude towards Suicide Questionnaire and in-depth interviews conducted on five caregivers using the interview framework developed in the department for the purpose. Data and descriptive analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: Majority of the caregivers 34 (65.4%) had unfavorable attitude towards suicide. Caregivers reported that mental and chronic physical illness, financial difficulty, working environment, and social factors such as undue pressure and failure to perform the task, difficulty maintaining the relationship, abuse, and neglect could be some of the possible causes of suicide. Caring and understanding attitude of family members, health professionals, and society towards the suicidal individuals providing appropriate training and education to the public would help in reducing the stigma and burden of suicidal patients. Conclusions: The overall attitude of the caregivers was unfavorable. Interventions targeted towards improving attitude towards suicide could be helpful in suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prekshya Thapa
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Sami Lama
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Nirmala Pradhan
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Kriti Thapa
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Madhur Basnet
- Department of Psychiatry, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
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