Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts among Substance Abuse Patients: Problem-Solving Ability and Hopelessness

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse has become a serious health issue. Ineffective problem solving among Substance abuser can lead to hopelessness and loss of control to commit suicide. This study was aimed to investigate the ability to solve problems and hopelessness as predictors of suicidal thoughts among patients with drug abuse. A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. A purposive sample of 162 patients with substance abuse disorder was selected from El-Azazi Hospital for Mental Health in Abo-Hamad City, Sharkia Governorate. Participants completed the Socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Drug Abuse Screen Test, Problem-Solving Inventory, The Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Suicide Probability Scale. The results revealed that the majority of studied participants had suicidal thoughts. More than one-third of them had severe level of drug abuse, mild level of hopelessness and was unable to solve their problems. There were statistically significant positive correlations between suicidal thought, problem solving ability, and feeling of hopelessness. Hopelessness, drug abuse, patients' age, and monthly income were significant predictors for suicidal probability among drug abuse patients. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct an intervention programs for drug abuse patients to strengthen their problem solving ability and develop adaptive coping strategies.