Risk Factors on Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Attempt among Community dwelling Older Adults: Based on 2014 Community Health Survey / 재활간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts of older adults aged 65 years and older. METHODS: A part of the 2014 Community Health Survey data were used for analysis. Responses of 3,287 older adults living in Chungbuk province were analyzed using complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The percentages of older people who experienced suicidal ideation and attempt during the past year were 21.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Limitation of daily living activities, pain/discomfort, stress and depression were significant risk factors of older adults' suicidal ideation. The significant risk factor of suicidal attempt was suicidal ideation, followed by depression and limitation of daily activities. The frequencies of elderly people using professional counseling related to the stress, depression or suicidal ideation were very low showing 2.1%, 1.8%, and 1.4% respectively. The protective impact of counselling on suicidal ideation and attempt were not able to be identified because of the low rate of participation of counselling program in this study. CONCLUSION: The common risk factors of suicidal ideation and attempt were depression and the limitation of daily activity; therefore, community services for them should be emphasized. In addition, there should be an effort to increase the utilization rate of professional counselling and to identify the effects of counselling on the prevention of suicidal behaviors.