Lifetime Prevalence Of Suicidal Ideation Research Articles

Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide amongst Chinese transgender persons: National population study

BackgroundThis study aims to understand suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among transgender individuals through an in-depth analysis of a nation-wide population general survey in China. MethodsTransgender Men (TM) and Women (TW) were investigated through a cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate participants' demographic information, perceived sexuality conflicts, childhood adversity and mental health conditions. Logistic regression models were utilized to investigate risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in these groups. We also conducted a quasi-meta-analysis in order to compare the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide between general and transgender populations in China. ResultsA total of 1309 participants across 32 provinces and municipalities in China took part in this survey, out of 2060 valid questionnaires. In this transgender population, the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and an attempt at suicide were 56.4% and 16.1%, respectively. This estimated prevalence rate is far greater than in Chinese community samples. For all transgender people, disliking birth-assigned sex, seeking sex reassignment surgery, having intense conflicts with parents, lifetime history of suffering from major depressive disorder, a recent episode of depression, self-harm, and seeking mental health services were significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation. An education level of high school or equivalent, being married and/or separated/divorced, having intense conflicts with parents, or self-harm and seeking mental health services were all significantly associated with increased risk of suicide attempt. Although most risk factors for TM and TW were equivalent across groups, differences were observed in both suicidal ideation and suicide attempt models. LimitationsThe cross-sectional study design and lack of follow-up data are limitations of this study. ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine suicide within a Chinese transgender population. The clinical implications of these findings for Chinese mental health professionals are discussed. Also, the evidence from this study can be used to inform the practices of suicide prevention workers, and policy makers working with the transgender population.

Depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms and suicide risk among graduate students: The mediating influence of emotional regulatory self-efficacy

The current study was to examine the relationship among depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms, emotion regulatory self-efficacy and suicide risk. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3257 graduate students from a medical college of China. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and attempt were 25.7%, 1.6%, 1.1%, respectively, with one-year suicidal ideation showing at 6.3%. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relative contribution of depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms and emotion regulatory self-efficacy on suicide risk. Structural equation model had a highly satisfactory fit [χ2 = 7.782, df = 4, p = 0.096; RMSEA = 0.021; CFI = 0.992; GFI = 0.997]. Post-traumatic stress symptoms had a direct effect and an indirect effect on suicide risk via emotion regulatory self-efficacy. Depressive symptoms also had a direct effect and an indirect effect on suicide risk via emotion regulatory self-efficacy. The depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms increased the risk of suicide risk, but the variable of emotion regulatory self–efficacy would be served as a buffering factor, decreasing the risk of suicide. The interaction term of depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress symptoms had a direct effect on suicide risk. A significant interactive effect of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms on suicide risk was found.

What distinguishes adolescents with suicidal thoughts from those who have attempted suicide? A population-based birth cohort study.

BackgroundOnly one‐third of young people who experience suicidal ideation attempt suicide. It is important to identify factors which differentiate those who attempt suicide from those who experience suicidal ideation but do not act on these thoughts.MethodsParticipants were 4,772 members of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK population‐based birth cohort. Suicide ideation and attempts were assessed at age 16 years via self‐report questionnaire. Multinomial regression was used to examine associations between factors that differentiated adolescents in three groups: no suicidal ideation or attempts, suicidal ideation only and suicide attempts. Analyses were conducted on an imputed data set based on those with complete outcome data (suicidal thoughts and attempts) at age 16 years (N = 4,772).ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in the sample was 9.6% and 6.8% respectively. Compared to adolescents who had experienced suicidal ideation, those who attempted suicide were more likely to report exposure to self‐harm in others (adjusted OR for family member self‐harm: 1.95, for friend self‐harm: 2.61 and for both family and friend self‐harm: 5.26). They were also more likely to have a psychiatric disorder (adjusted OR for depression: 3.63; adjusted OR for anxiety disorder: 2.20; adjusted OR for behavioural disorder: 2.90). Other risk factors included female gender, lower IQ, higher impulsivity, higher intensity seeking, lower conscientiousness, a greater number of life events, body dissatisfaction, hopelessness, smoking and illicit drug use (excluding cannabis).ConclusionsThe extent of exposure to self‐harm in others and the presence of psychiatric disorder most clearly differentiate adolescents who attempt suicide from those who only experience suicidal ideation. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore whether these risk factors predict progression from suicidal ideation to attempts over time.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among First-Year College Students: Results From the WMH-ICS Project

College entrance may be a strategically well-placed "point of capture" for detecting late adolescents with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). However, a clear epidemiological picture of STB among incoming college students is lacking. We present the first cross-national data on prevalence as well as socio-demographic and college-related correlates for STB among first-year college students. Web-based self-report surveys were obtained from 13,984 first-year students (response rate 45.5%) across 19 colleges in 8 countries (Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Spain, and the United States). Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was 32.7%, 17.5%, and 4.3%, respectively. The 12-month prevalence was 17.2%, 8.8%, and 1.0%, respectively. About three-fourths of STB cases had onset before the age of 16 years (Q3= 15.8), with persistence figures in the range of 41% to 53%. About one-half (53.4%) of lifetime ideators transitioned to a suicide plan; 22.1% of lifetime planners transitioned to an attempt. Attempts among lifetime ideators without plan were less frequent (3.1%). Significant correlates of lifetime STB were cross-nationally consistent and generally modest in effect size (median adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 1.7). Nonheterosexual orientation (aOR range 3.3-7.9) and heterosexual orientation with some same-sex attraction (aOR range 1.9-2.3) were the strongest correlates of STB, and of transitioning from ideation to plans and/or attempts (aOR range 1.6-6.1). The distribution of STB in first-year students is widespread, and relatively independent of socio-demographic risk profile. Multivariate risk algorithms based on a high number of risk factors are indicated to efficiently link high-risk status with effective preventive interventions.

Engagement of vulnerable youths using internet platforms.

AimThe aim of this study was to explore the online distress and help-seeking behavior of youths in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross-sectional telephone-based survey was conducted among 1,010 young people in Hong Kong. Logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify the factors associated with those who reported expressing emotional distress online and the differences in help-seeking behavior among four groups of youths: (1) the non-distressed (reference) group; (2) “Did not seek help” group; (3) “Seek informal help” group; and (4) “Seek formal help” group.ResultsThe seeking of help and expression of distress online were found to be associated with a higher lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation. The “Seek formal help” and “Did not seek help” groups had a similar risk profile, including a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, unsafe sex, and being bullied. The “Seek informal help” group was more likely to express distress online, which indicates that this population of youths may be accessible to professional identification. Approximately 20% of the distressed youths surveyed had not sought help despite expressing their distress online.ImplicationThe study’s results indicate that helping professionals have opportunities to develop strategic engagement methods that make use of social media to help distressed youths.

Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among men who have sex with men: a meta-analysis

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death among men who have sex with men (MSM) and suicidal ideation may put individuals at higher risk of suicide. A great disparity of lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM was observed across studies, indicating the importance of a reliable estimation of the pooled lifetime prevalence. However, the only one published meta-analysis estimating the pooled lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM was conducted in 2008 with only 2 eligible studies. Subsequently, there was a rapid increase of publications about lifetime suicidal ideation among MSM, suggesting that an update on the pooled lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM was necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to update the estimation of the pooled lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM.MethodsElectronic databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus (social science), Embase and PsycInfo were searched until September 2017 to identify relevant studies. Cross-sectional studies exploring the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM were enrolled. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran Q test and quantified using the I2 statistic. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using both Begg’s rank test and Egger’s linear test, and an Egger’s funnel plot for asymmetry was presented. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the geographic area, sample source and HIV status.ResultsNineteen studies with a total of 26,667 MSM were included, of which 9374 were identified with suicidal ideation. A high degree of heterogeneity (P ≤ 0.001, I2 =99.2%) was observed among the eligible studies, with the reported prevalence ranging from 13.18 to 55.80%. The pooled lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM by a random effects model was 34.97% (95% confidence interval: 28.35%–41.90%). Both the Begg’s rank test and Egger’s linear test indicated low possibility of publication bias. Subgroup analyses showed that the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM differed significantly by geographic area, sample source and HIV status (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe high pooled lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among MSM found in this meta-analysis significantly underscores the importance of early assessment of suicidal ideation among MSM, as well as the need for strengthening the psychological interventions.

Association of comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders with suicidal behaviors

BackgroundSuicidal behaviors are strong predictors of suicide death and are much more common than completed suicides. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and transitions of suicidal behaviors in an Inner Mongolian City of China and to explore the association of comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders with suicidal behaviors. MethodThis study was a cross-sectional study. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview-3.0 (CIDI-3.0) was administered face-to-face to make diagnoses of mental disorders, measure suicidal behaviors and collect social demographic information. ResultsA total of 4528 respondents were interviewed. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide plan and suicide attempt were 1.52%, 0.70% and 0.54%, respectively. Among those respondents with suicidal ideation, 21.1% of them had planned suicide attempt, and 6.6% had unplanned suicide attempt. When comorbidity was not considered in the model, mood and anxiety disorders were the most important drivers of suicidal behaviors. However, when including the comorbidity, those respondents with mood and anxiety disorders, rather than those with a specific disorder only, had a significant positive association with suicidal behaviors. In the model, being unemployed, rural, female, no income and childhood adversities were also related to suicidal behaviors. LimitationsThere might be systematic recall bias as the data were based on retrospective self-reports. Suicide is a sensitive question, so the respondents were probably ashamed to talk about suicidal behaviors. ConclusionsThe comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders was the most important risk factor of suicidal behaviors. Special attention should be paid to those patients with this comorbidity.

Alcohol Use Among Active Duty Women: Analysis AUDIT Scores From the 2011 Health-Related Behavior Survey of Active Duty Military Personnel.

Numerous studies document higher substance use among military men after deployment; similar studies focused on military women are limited. This study examines alcohol use of active duty women and deployment factors, social/environmental/attitudinal factors, and psychological/intrapersonal factors. Secondary data analysis of the 2011 Survey of Health-Related Behavior of active duty military personnel was conducted using bivariate statistics and multiple regression analyses with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores as the dependent variable. Nearly 94% had low risk for alcohol use disorders. Length of combat experience and extent of combat exposure were unrelated to Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores; noncombat deployment was unrelated after controlling for marital status, age of first drink, pay grade, and branch of service. Significant motivators (p < 0.001) for drinking were "like/enjoy drinking," "drink to cheer up," "drink to forget problems," and significant deterrents were "cost of alcohol" and "fear of upsetting family/friends if used alcohol." Anger propensity, risk propensity, lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, and depressed mood were significant predictors in the regression model after controlling for covariates. Findings suggest that some active duty women use alcohol to cope with adverse emotional states, whereas others use alcohol consistent with propensity for high-risk behaviors.

Suicidal ideation among rural immigrant daughters-in-law with multi-roles as females, farmers and immigrants in China

Suicide is a major public health issue in China, and suicidal ideation is an important step in the suicidal process. The purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among rural immigrant daughters-in-law with multi-role of female, farmer and immigrant in China. A total of 939 participants including 474 local daughters-in-law and 465 immigrant daughters-in-law were surveyed using the self-rating questionnaire. Demographic characteristics, depression, anxiety, impulsivity and suicidal ideation were assessed. Results indicated that the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation among rural immigrant daughters-in-law was 9.68%. Physical disability, domestic violence and negative events demonstrated statistical significance by suicidal ideation (p < .05), and participants with suicidal ideation had higher scores of depression, anxiety and impulsiveness in the univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that physical disability (OR = 7.43, 95%CI: 2.84–19.46), domestic violence (OR = 2.65, 95%CI: 1.02–6.88), depression (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01–1.12), impulsiveness (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.08) and motor impulsiveness (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01–1.14) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is an issue that can’t be ignored among rural immigrant daughters-in-law. And the findings should be considered for the intervention of the suicide among the rural immigrant daughters-in-law.

Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of China: A meta-analysis.

The objective of this meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of Mainland China. A systematic literature search was conducted via the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, China Journals Full-Text Databases, Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wan Fang Data. Statistical analysis used the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the analysis; five reported on the prevalence of suicidal ideation and seven on that of suicide attempts. The estimated lifetime prevalence figures of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were 3.9% (95% confidence interval: 2.5%-6.0%) and 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.7%-0.9%), respectively. The estimated female-male ratio for lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was 1.7 and 2.2, respectively. Only the difference of suicide attempts between the two genders was statistically significant. This was the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of Mainland China. The pooled lifetime prevalence of both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are relatively low; however, caution is required when assessing these self-report data. Women had a modestly higher prevalence for suicide attempts than men. The frequency for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in urban regions was similar to those in rural areas.

Lifetime Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts in a Korean Community Sample

Objectives: Our study evaluated the lifetime prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea. Method: Participants were selected from the population of individuals aged 13ߝ100 years living Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea. A total of 2,964 subjects provided information about lifetime suicidal behavior and sociodemographic and psychological characteristics, completing the Zung Depression Scale, the Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Multidimensional Anger Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, 24.8% and 6.2%, respectively, were higher than in previous studies. Multivariate regression revealed that family harmony had the highest odds ratio of all variables, including psychological factors. Along with depression and self-esteem, anger— which is the basic symptom of the Korean culture-related anger syndrome, Hwa-byung—was significantly associated with lifetime suicidal behavior. Conclusions: Lifetime suicidal behavior was highly prevalent in Jeollabuk-do Province. The most significant risk factors were found to be social support, family disharmony, anger, depression, and low self-esteem in Koreans.

Is cognitive impairment associated with suicidality? A population-based study

Suicide is one of the main causes of mortality in young people and in individuals with depression. The impact of impaired cognitive function on suicidal ideation is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to examine how cognitive functioning may influence suicidal thoughts, both in the general population and in a subgroup of individuals with depression. A total of 4583 participants (aged 18 years and older) were interviewed in a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the non-institutionalized Spanish population. Cognitive functioning was evaluated using five cognitive tests. Participants were also asked to provide information about mental health symptoms and conditions through an adaptation of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Logistic regression analysis was performed overall and by age group. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was 3.7%, whereas prevalence of suicidal ideation in the previous 12 months was 0.9%. Depression was the strongest risk factor for suicidal ideation. Compared with people without suicidal ideation, people with suicidal ideas performed significantly worse on cognitive functioning after adjusting for age, years of education, gender, and the presence of depression. In the age-subgroup analyses, only the youngest group (18–49 years) showed a significant association between cognitive functioning and suicidal ideation. Worse cognitive functioning was also associated with more frequent suicidal ideas in those individuals with depression even when depression severity was taken into account. In conclusion, both cognitive functioning and diagnosis of depression are associated with higher risk of suicide in the Spanish general population, especially in young individuals.

Suicidal behavior among Turkish patients with Parkinson&amp;rsquo;s disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the predictors of suicidal ideation and attempts among Turkish Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.Materials and methodsThe study comprised 120 patients with PD. Clinical findings were obtained by using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. Disease severity was measured by the Hoehn and Yahr staging scale, and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale was used for patient disability. Psychiatric evaluation was performed by the same psychiatrist using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) Axis I Disorders. Severity of depression was measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Suicidal ideation and attempts were considered positive if experienced during the patient’s lifetime. The Suicide Probability Scale was used to assess the risk of suicide. Data were analyzed by logistic regression models to identify variables associated with suicidal ideation and attempts.ResultsBased on logistic regression analysis, education level, age of disease onset, disease duration, depression, and history of impulse-control disorder (ICD) behaviors were significant predictors of suicidal ideation. The risk rate in the presence of depression and history of ICD behaviors was increased by 5.92 and 4.97, respectively. Additionally, lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was found in 11.6% (14 of 120) of PD patients, although no patient had ever attempted suicide.ConclusionTurkish patients with PD who exhibit a high risk for suicidal ideation also experience disease starting at an earlier age, longer disease duration, presence of depression, and ICD behaviors, and should be monitored carefully.

Prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts among Black Americans in later life

This article provides the first national estimates of the prevalence and correlates of nonfatal suicidal behavior among older Black Americans. There is a lack of national data on suicide ideation and attempts across ethnic classifications of Blacks in a nationally representative sample. Data are a subsample from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), a national U.S. adult household probability sample of 5,191 Black Americans. The WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess older Blacks for nonfatal suicidal behavior and 14 DSM-IV disorders. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to delineate patterns and correlates of nonfatal suicidal behavior. The estimated lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among older Blacks in the United States was 6.1% and 2.1%, respectively. On an average it took 2.5 and 5.7 years respectively to go from ideation to attempts or from planning to attempts. Surprisingly, among older Black adults, men reported attempting suicide and seriously consider taking their own lives more than women. Older Blacks at higher risk for suicide attempts were middle aged, had poorer health, were anxious, and had multiple DSM-IV disorders. The results also show that approximately 1 in 4 attempters and 2 in 5 ideators have never sought treatment for their emotional or psychological problems. Preventative care, particularly screening in primary care settings, should consider these findings when treating older Black Americans for psychiatric-related risk.

Suicidal behaviours are common among US adolescents and are associated with mental health disorders

Question: What is the prevalence of non-fatal suicidal behaviours among US adolescents and what is their association with mental health disorders? Population: About 6483 adolescents aged 13-18 years and their...

Prevalence and correlated factors of lifetime suicidal ideation in adults in Ningxia, China.

AimCompare the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in the Hui and Han ethnic groups in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. MethodsUsing a probability proportionate to size sampling method and villages (in rural areas) or neighborhoods (in urban areas) as primary sampling units, 5880 residents aged 18 and over were sampled. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a computer-administered Chinese version of the World Health Organization’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Factors associated with self-reported lifetime suicidal ideation were identified using logistic regression models.ResultsOf the 4789 (81.4%) persons who completed the survey, the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal plans and suicide attempts were 5.30% (95% confidence interval [CI]=4.66-5.93%), 1.52% (CI=1.17-1.86%), and 0.77% (CI=0.52-1.02%), respectively. The age standardized rate of lifetime suicidal ideation and lifetime suicidal planning were significantly higher in the largely Muslim Hui ethnic group (n=1955) than in the largely atheist Han ethnic group (n=2834); the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempt was also higher in the Hui group, but only at the trend level (p=0.20). Factors independently associated with lifetime suicidal ideation were female gender (odds ratio [OR]=2.07), being divorced or widowed (OR=2.02), rural residence (OR=1.95), mood disorder in the prior year (OR=1.96), other mental disorder in the prior year (OR=2.99), and self-reported poor physical health in the prior year (OR=2.21). After adjustment for these factors, ethnicity was not independently associated with lifetime suicidal ideation, but stratified analyses by ethnic group found some differences in the factors associated with lifetime suicidal ideation between Hui and Han respondents.ConclusionsContrary to previous studies, we found that lifetime suicidal ideation was more common in a Muslim ethnic group than in a non-Muslim ethnic group of Ningxia, but this difference did not persist in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for gender, mental disorders and other factors.

Ideación suicida en estudiantes de medicina: prevalencia y factores asociados

IntroductionIt is well documented that physicians have higher rates of suicide than the general population. This risk tends to increase even from the beginning of undergraduate training in medicine. There are few studies evaluating the frequency of suicidal behaviors in undergraduate medical students, particularly in Latin America. ObjectiveTo determine the lifetime prevalence and the variables associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a sample of medical students from the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materials and methodsAn analytical cross-sectional observational study was conducted to determine the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a non-random sample of medical students enrolled in three medical schools in Bucaramanga. A self-administered questionnaire was voluntarily and anonymously answered by the participants. Validated versions of the CES-D and CAGE scales were used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was generated in order to adjust the estimates of variables associated with the outcome «suicidal ideation in life». ResultsThe study sample consisted of 963 medical students, of which 57% (n=549) of the participants were women. The average age was 20.3 years (SD=2.3 years). Having had at least one episode of serious suicidal ideation in their lifetime was reported by 15.7% (n=149) of the students, with 5% (n=47) of the students reported having made at least one suicide attempt. Having taken antidepressants during their medical training was reported by 13.9% (n=131) of the students. The variables associated with the presence of suicidal ideation in the logistic regression model were: clinically significant depressive symptoms (OR: 6.9, 95% CI; 4.54-10.4), history of illicit psychoactive substance use (OR 2.8, 95% CI; 1.6-4.8), and perception of poor academic performance over the past year (OR: 2.2, 95% CI; 1.4-3.6). The logistic regression model correctly classified 85% of the subjects with a history of suicidal ideation. ConclusionSuicidal ideation is a frequently occurring phenomenon in medical students. Medical schools need to establish screening procedures for early detection and intervention of students with emotional distress and suicide risk.

Prevalence and risk factors for first onset of suicidal behaviors in the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2

BackgroundTo report lifetime prevalences of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts, as well as risk factors for first onset suicidal behaviours and for the transition from ideation to first onset plan or attempt. MethodsData were used from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2 (NEMESIS-2), a nationally representative survey among the general population aged 18–64 years (N=6646; response rate=65.1%). Face-to-face interviews were administered between November 2007 and July 2009. Suicidal behaviours and DSM-IV mental disorders were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and attempt was 8.3%, 3.0% and 2.2%, respectively. Among ideators, the probability of ever making an attempt was 26.8%. 76.5% of transitions from ideation to attempt occurred within the first year after ideation onset. Risk factors for suicidal behaviours included being female, younger, less educated, having had childhood trauma and a prior mental disorder. The strongest risk factors for the transition from ideation to first onset attempt were characteristics of prior suicidal behaviours, such as an early age of ideation onset and prior plans. LimitationsData were based on retrospective self-reports of mental disorders and suicidal behaviours. ConclusionsIt is important that health professionals verify suicide plans of their patients with suicidal ideas. They should also discuss the way their patients deal with problems and the kind of help they need, because a substantial proportion of (first) attempts was not intended to kill oneself. Preventive measures are best offered within the first year after ideation onset.

The characteristics and risk factors of suicidal ideation among persons aged 18 years and older in Xiamen city

Objective To explore the characteristics and risk factors of suicidal ideation among community subjects in Xiamen city and to provide appropriate suicide intervention strategies. Methods Using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling, 12071 subjects aged 18 years and older were identified in Xiamen City. Their suicidal ideation was recorded with the investigation list made by Beijing Huilongguan Hospital Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center. Psychiatrists determined their diagnosis with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 4th edition (DSM-IV). Results A total of 10757 subjects completed the survey, the completion was 89.1%. The life-time prevalence of suicidal ideation was 2.48%(95%CI: 2.19%~2.77%), the prevalence was higher in female(3.00%) than male(1.88%)(RR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.24~2.06). Analysis of risk factors by single logistic regression showed that the suicidal ideation of persons were mostly in female, 44 years and older group, in rural, not-being married, no medical insurance, poor mental or physical health in last month, being in hospital due to the mental problems, low quality of life, living alone, having blood relatives or acquaintance with suicidal behavior. While the risk factors by multivariate logistic regression were ranked as follows: having acquaintance with suicidal behavior (OR=3.66, 95%CI: 2.44~5.50), being in hospital because of mental problems (OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.08~10.09), poor mental health in last month(OR=3.17, 95%CI: 2.37~4.24), any blood relatives having suicidal behavior (OR=2.91, 95%CI: 1.61~5.25), low of quality of life (OR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.50~3.26), not-being married (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.28~2.32), living alone (OR=1.65, 95%CI: 1.18~2.32), being female (OR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.21~2.05). The prevalence of mental disorders in suicidal ideation was 46.4%. Conclusion The prevalence of suicidal ideation is significantly higher in female residents than in male. Having acquaintance with suicidal behavior, being in hospital due to the mental problems as well as poor mental health in last month are the main risk factors of suicidal ideation. Key words: Suicidal ideation; Risk factor; Cross-sectional survey

Belief system, meaningfulness, and psychopathology associated with suicidality among Chinese college students: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundResearch suggests that Chinese religious believers are more likely to commit suicide than those identifying as non-religious among rural young adults, contrary to findings in Western countries. However, one cannot conclude that religiosity is associated with elevated suicide risk without examining the effect of political and religious beliefs in a generally atheist country like China where political belief plays a dominant role in the belief system of young adults. The present study investigated the effects of political and religious belief on suicidality with meaningfulness and psychopathology as potential mediators in a large representative sample of Chinese college students.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1390 first-year college students randomly sampled from 10 colleges and universities in mainland China.ResultsA total of 1168 respondents (84.0%) provided complete data on all variables. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt were 45.1%, 6.8%, and 1.9% respectively, with one-year suicidal ideation showing at 19.3%. Female gender was associated with elevated risk of suicidality. Political belief but not religious belief was associated with decreased suicide risk. A significant interactive effect of political belief and religious belief was found, indicating that for political believers, being religious was associated with decreased suicide risk; for non-political believers, being religious was associated with increased suicide risk. Multi-group structural equation modeling showed that meaningfulness completely mediated and psychopathology partially mediated the effect of belief system on suicidality. Gender differences were found in pathways of political belief by religious beliefs to suicidality and political belief to psychopathology. The coefficients were significant for males but not for females.ConclusionsIn less religious societies, political belief may serve as a means of integration as does religious affiliation in religious societies. Males were more likely to benefit from the protective effect of a belief system on suicidality than females.