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Path analysis of suicide ideation in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 December 2013

Seolmin Kim ,
Jee Hyun Ha ,
Jaehak Yu ,
Doo-Heum Park  and
Seung-Ho Ryu
Seolmin Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
Jee Hyun Ha*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
Jaehak Yu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
Doo-Heum Park
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
Seung-Ho Ryu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Jee Hyun Ha, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 4-12 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: +82-2-2030-7569; Fax: +82-2-2030-7748. Email: jhnha@naver.com.
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Abstract

Background:

Suicide among older people is one of the most rapidly emerging healthcare issues. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with suicide ideation in the aged population in South Korea.

Methods:

The study recruited 684 subjects older than 65 years old (males = 147, females = 537, mean age = 78.20±7.02 years), and trained interviewers performed the interviews. The study was performed as part of a community mental health suicide prevention program. The subjects’ socio-demographic data, physical health, alcohol problems, social relationships, psychological well-being, and depression severity were all considered. The Korean version of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (K-BSI) was used to evaluate the intensity of suicide ideation. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the K-BSI. The study results were tested using a path analysis.

Results:

Depression severity was positively correlated with suicide ideation, and economic status, psychological well-being, and social relationships were negatively correlated with suicide ideation. Depression severity had the largest direct impact, and economic status and social relationships had indirect impacts on suicide ideation. Psychological well-being exerted both direct and indirect influences.

Conclusion:

Depression severity was the most important predictor of suicide ideation among older people. Other direct and indirect factors played secondary roles. Effective suicide prevention strategies should focus on early detection and active intervention for depression. Socio-economic programs may also indirectly reduce suicide ideation among the aged population.

Keywords

suicide ideationdepressionolder peoplepath analysis
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , March 2014 , pp. 509 - 515
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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