Suicide probability and affecting factors in psychiatric inpatients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine suicide probability and affecting factors in psychiatric inpatients. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 155 psychiatric inpatients at Cumhuriyet University Training and Research Hospital. Data was collected using the Descriptive Information and the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS). The SPS includes the following subscales: hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, negative self-evaluation, and hostility. Higher scores obtained from the SPS indicate elevated suicide probability. In statistical analyses, descriptive statistics, t test, one way analysis of variance, and the Kruskall Wallis test were used. Results: Mean SPS total score of the patients was found to be 82.54±14.76, which indicates moderate suicide probability. There were no significant differences in SPS total scores according to age, gender, marital status, and economic status. The mean SPS scores of patients who were diagnosed with depression, had previous thoughts about committing suicide and previous suicide attempts, and had suicidal thoughts at the time of the study were found to be significantly higher. Discussion: Mean suicide probability scores of the patients were at moderate levels. Patients who had previous suicidal thoughts and had previous suicide attempts have higher suicide probability. Our results show that suicide potential, which is a threat against patient safety in the psychiatry clinic, is high.