J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2016 Nov;55(4):376-385. 10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.4.376.

Variables Affecting to Attitudes towards Suicide among General Adult Population in the City of Bucheon

• Kim Y
• Lee SI
• Kim H
• Lee A
• Mun KS
• Kim SG
• Jung HY

• KMID: 2361226
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.4.376

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to investigate variables affecting attitudes toward suicide among the general adult population in the city of Bucheon, Korea.
METHODS
Study participants included 1000 subjects over 18 years old who visited public offices in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Subjects completed a series of questionnaires covering demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and prior suicidal ideation and attempts. The Attitudes Toward Suicide-20 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scales were used to assess attitudes toward suicide and the severity of depression, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis of the responses was performed.
RESULTS
Analysis of responses on the Attitudes Toward Suicide-20 Scale revealed four important factors : permissiveness and unpredictability, attitudes toward suicide prevention, relationship between suicide causes and processes, and lack of comprehension of suicide. We assessed relationships among clinical and demographic variables by assessing scores on the Attitudes toward Suicide scale. Demographic characteristics (sex, age, marital status, education, economic status, and religion), clinical characteristics (physical and psychological health), and prior suicidal ideation and attempts affected respondents attitudes toward suicide.
CONCLUSION
The variables identified as affecting attitudes toward suicide in this study were similar to those reported in previous studies (i.e., sex, age, religion, education, physical, and psychological health, prior suicidal ideation and attempts). In support of previous research results, we suggest that identifying groups that exhibit variables associated with attitudes toward suicide is an important step in suicide prevention, as such attitudes may influence subsequent behavior. Educational campaigns aimed at suicide prevention can be enhanced by focusing on attitudes toward suicide.

Keyword

Suicide; Attitude; Suicidal ideation

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Comprehension
Depression
Education
Gyeonggi-do*
Humans
Korea
Marital Status
Permissiveness
Physical Education and Training
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Weights and Measures

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