Factors associated with suicide attempts among Korean older adults in community: A quantitative study using data from the 2021 Community Health Survey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report the level of suicidal attempts in Korean older adults in a community and identify the factors associated with suicidal attempts. Methods: A total of 73,326 older adults were selected and analyzed using the 2021 Community Health Survey. The Rao-Scott χ2 test was conducted to evaluate the differences between demographic characteristics, health status, and mental health according to suicide attempts. Logistic regression was performed using the SAS 9.4 program. Results: Among older adults, 0.3% had suicidal attempts. Factors influencing suicidal attempts were level of education (odds ratio [OR]=0.34, p=.006), region (OR=1.22, p=.011), life satisfaction (OR=2.13, p=.035), depression experiences (OR=3.03, p<.001), and suicidal ideation (OR=15.34, p<.001). Conclusion: To prevent suicide attempts among older adults, it is necessary to consider their suicidal ideation, level of education, and region, and to screen for depression experiences and suicidal ideation. Additionally, nursing interventions should be developed to improve the life satisfaction of the older adults and reduce depression and suicide attempts.