Psychosocial Factor Influencing Suicidal thoughts in Community Dwelling Elderly in Jeonnam Province / 우울ㆍ조울병

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial factors influencing suicidal ideation of community dwelling elderly, using the senior community center in Jeonnam Province.METHODS: A total of 2,202 subjects (369 males, 1,833 females) were recruited. We evaluated sociodemographic factors, using a self-reporting questionnaire. Subjects completed the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form Korean Version (SGDS), Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Korean version of the General Health Questionale-12 (GHQ-12) and Satisfaction with Life scale (SWLS), to assess psychosocial factors affecting suicidal ideation.RESULTS: Among 2,202 subjects, 179 (8.1%) reported recent suicidal ideation. Self-perceptive health status (p < 0.001) and physical disease (p=0.002) revealed differences between two groups. The scores of four scales in the suicidal group were significantly different from the control group SGDS (p < 0.001) and GHQ-12 (p < 0.001) were higher, while MSPSS (p < 0.001) and SWLS (p < 0.001) were lower, in the suicidal ideation group than the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that physical disease (OR 2.575, 95%CI 1.022–6.492), SGDS (OR 1.181, 95%CI 1.120–1.246) and GHQ-12 (OR 1.192, 95%CI 1.108–1.283), were significantly associated with suicidal ideation.CONCLUSION: Findings support that physical disease, depression, and general mental health may correlate to suicidal ideation in the elderly.