Mood Emot.  2018 Nov;16(3):152-157. 10.0000/me.2018.16.3.152.

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

• Cha YH
• Kim KM
• Yoon BH
• Kang H
• Sea YH
• Park SH

• KMID: 2434872
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/me.2018.16.3.152

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.

Keyword

Suicide; Community dwelling elderly; Psychosocial factor

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Depression
Humans
Independent Living*
Jeollanam-do*
Logistic Models
Male
Mental Health
Psychology*
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide
Weights and Measures