Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation in Korean Elderly Living Alone ; Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics

Lee, Jae Won; Son, Sang Joon; Bae, Hwallip; Kook, So Dahm; Kim, Hyun Soo

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between suicidal ideation and the associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors in community dwelling, elderly living alone in Korea.
METHODS
A total of the 329 community-dwelling elderly aged 65 years or older who lived alone were recruited and they underwent the questionnaire including their sociodemographic data, Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL/IADL) and the Korean version of the Short Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K). Suicidal ideation was evaluated by using the "suicidal thought" item of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
RESULTS
According to the result of our sample of elderly living alone, 22.8% of the subjects reported their suicidal ideation. ADL/IADL score (p<0.01), subjective economic status (p<0.05), and subjective health status (p<0.05) had a negative correlation with suicidal ideation. SGDS-K score (p<0.05) had positive correlations with suicidal ideation. Multiple regression analysis revealed that suicidal ideation correlates to ADL/IADL score (p=0.025).
CONCLUSION
This study exhibit that ADL/IADL is significantly associated with suicidal ideation.