Prevalence Of Suicidal Thoughts Research Articles

Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young adults between 2000 and 2021: Results from six national representative surveys in France

The study examines the prevalence of 12-month suicidal thoughts and lifetime suicide behaviors among young adults between 2000 and 2021. Data were drawn from the Health Barometer survey, a cross-sectional survey on a French national representative sample. The 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021 survey waves were pooled to examine time trends in 12-month suicidal thoughts and lifetime suicidal behaviors among respondents aged 18 to 25 (n = 13,326), categorized based on sex and on their occupational status: students, those employed, and those who are neither in employment, education or training (NEETs). The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation among young adults in 2021 (6.8 %) is no different from that of 2000 (7.0 %), despite a U-shape curve in between. In contrast, the overall prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts was significantly higher in 2021 as compared to what was observed on average in the previous 21 years. In multivariate models, females and NEETs were overall at greatest risk for suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviors. Additional attention and prevention efforts are needed to reach young adults who are neither in employment, education or training.

Disparities and Trends in Middle School Students' Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Results From the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2015–2019

PurposeTo examine trends and racial and ethnic disparities in early adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the years immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis study used pooled data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's middle school Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 127,912) between 2015 and 2019. Three dichotomized measures of suicide-related behaviors were assessed: suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts. Weighted prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each survey year. Linear trends examined disparities in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, overall and by student demographic characteristics. Main effects odds ratios compared estimates among racial and ethnic minority adolescents with non-Hispanic White students, controlling for sex and grade. ResultsSignificant linear increases were observed for the percentage of middle school students who reported seriously thinking about suicide (18.2%–22.3%), ever making a suicide plan (11.8%–14.7%), and ever attempting suicide (6.9%–9.3%). Racial and ethnic minority students, other than non-Hispanic Asian, showed higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared with non-Hispanic White students. DiscussionFindings indicate a need for comprehensive suicide prevention to address health equity and disparities in suicide-related behaviors among middle school-aged adolescents.

Suicidal thoughts and attempts among married women who experience intimate partner violence in Türkiye.

Suicide is one of the main causes of premature death and an important health concern globally because of its current rising prevalence. To investigate suicidal thoughts and attempts among married women who have experienced intimate partner violence in Sivas, Türkiye. This cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted between January and December 2019 among 2243 currently married women aged 15-49 years, who had been residing in the centre of Sivas Province, Türkiye, for ≥ 6 months. Multistage clustered random sampling was used in the survey. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used for the measure of mental health, while the violence items were measured using the Conflict Tactic Scales-2. The data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0. Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts was 9.5% and 4.8%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age < 25 years, mental health problems, being a victim of violence during childhood or marriage, and insufficient income were associated with suicidal thoughts. Age < 25 years, mental health problems, being a victim of violence during childhood or marriage were associated with suicidal attempts. Intimate partner violence is a risk factor for poor health among women, including mental health, and it could result in suicidal thoughts and attempts. Intimate partner violence against women should be addressed by the relevant authorities to reduce suicidal thoughts and attempts, especially among younger women.

The intersection of race, ethnicity, and gender and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across distinct intersections of race/ethnicity and gender among adolescents remains understudied. The current study seeks to address this important gap in suicide scholarship using a statewide representative sample of U.S. Florida middle school and high school adolescents. Data drawn from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) (N = 41,764) were analyzed to examine disparities in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among 26 racial/ethnic and gender subgroups of middle school and high school aged adolescents. Survey-weighted prevalence estimates for both suicidality outcomes were generated, and binary contrasts were used to assess the statistical significance of the differences in the probabilities between members of each subgroup and youth belonging to all other subgroups. Our results indicate that the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts was highly gendered and varied according to racial/ethnic subgroups. Native American girls reported more suicidal thoughts (49.9%) and attempts (16.5%) in the past 12 months than any race/gender group. Other racial/ethnic and gender groups that reported particularly high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts were West Indian/Caribbean female adolescents (48.8% and 13.4%, respectively), Puerto Rican female adolescents (48.5% and 14.7%, respectively), and Black/non-Hispanic female adolescents (19.9% and 15.6%, respectively). Because certain gender and race/ethnic subgroups are at an increased risk for suicidality, more research is needed to better understand the risk and protective factors to determine which suicide prevention strategies might best serve each group.

Psychiatric health care need in Hungary identified by the short screening algorithm of depression and suicide risk used in general medical practices

Suicides are often related to depression. General medical practices (GMPs) should play a role in screening depression. We aimed to test the screening algorithm of Rihmer and Torzsa for depression and suicide and determine the prevalence and number of patients in the nationwide representative Hungarostudy 2002 population, and to estimate the corresponding extra health care need in an average GMP and in the Hungarian population in addition to patients who are already cared for by specialized care. The short version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the Hungarian version of the short form of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-9) were used to screen for suicide risk and depression. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and depression was determined and findings were extrapolated to an average GMP of 1,600 adults and to the population over 25 years of age. This screening would generate a considerable extra psychiatric care to organize and implement in an average GMP and throughout the country. Our findings show that with easily administered screening instruments a significant number of patients likely to have depression can be identified at the primary care level, arguing for the establishment of the extra psychiatric care capacity in Hungary.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviour among healthcare workers in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, concern has been raised about suicide risk among healthcare workers (HCWs). We investigated the incidence risk and prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviour (STB), and their relationship with occupational risk factors, among National Health Service HCWs in England between April 2020 and August 2021. In this longitudinal study, we analysed online survey data completed by 22,501 HCWs from 17 NHS Trusts at baseline (Time 1) and six months (Time 2). The primary outcome measures were suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury. We used logistic regression to investigate the relationship between these outcomes and demographic characteristics and occupational factors. Results were stratified by occupational role (clinical/non-clinical). Time 1 and Time 2 surveys were completed by 12,514 and 7,160 HCWs, respectively. At baseline, 10.8% (95% CI = 10.1%, 11.6%) of participants reported having experienced suicidal thoughts in the previous two months, whilst 2.1% (95% CI = 1.8%, 2.5%) of participants reported having attempted suicide over the same period. Among HCWs who had not experienced suicidal thoughts at baseline (and who completed the Time 2 survey), 11.3% (95%CI = 10.4%, 12.3%) reported such thoughts six months later. Six months after baseline, 3.9% (95% CI = 3.4%, 4.4%) of HCWs reported attempting suicide for the first time. Exposure to potentially morally injurious events, lack of confidence about raising safety concerns and these concerns being addressed, feeling unsupported by managers, and providing a reduced standard of care were all associated with increased suicidal ideation among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. At six months, among clinicians, a lack of confidence about safety concerns being addressed, independently predicted suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour among healthcare workers could be reduced by improving managerial support and enhancing the ability of staff to raise safety concerns.

Advance Care Planning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Huntington Disease: Results from a Multicenter National Study.

With Huntington disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative disease where the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB) remains elevated as compared to other neurological disorders, it is unknown whether STB and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) affect plans for the end of life or more broadly, advance care planning (ACP). Conversely, it is unknown whether ACP would provoke future changes to STB and HRQoL. Therefore, we sought to evaluate whether STB and HRQoL patient-reported outcomes (PROs) contribute to ACP and whether ACP relates to changes in STB and HRQoL at 24 months. HD-validated clinician- and patient-assessments (i.e., HRQoL PROs) were obtained at baseline enrollment, 12 and 24 months through our multi-center study (HDQLIFE™) throughout the United States among people with premanifest, early-stage, and late-stage manifest HD. We used linear mixed-effects models to determine the relationships between STB and HRQoL at baseline and HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at follow-up. Separate linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the relationship between HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at baseline, and HRQoL and STB at 12 and 24 months. False discovery rate adjustments were used to account for multiple comparisons. At baseline enrollment, STB and HRQoL were not related to HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at 12 or 24 months. Similarly, at baseline, HDQLIFE End of Life Planning demonstrated no association with STB or HRQoL at 12 or 24 months. STB and HRQoL PROs do not significantly affect patient engagement with ACP. Most importantly, engaging in ACP does not cause untoward effects on HRQoL or STB for this rare neurodegenerative disease where the lifetime prevalence of STB approaches 30%.

Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Planning in Senior Medical Students

Objective: Medical students have considerably higher prevalence rates of depression and suicidal thoughts as compared to their age-fellows from the general population. Only a limited number of studies have previously investigated the suicidal thinking/planning in Pakistani medical students. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rates of suicidal thoughts and planning in medical students studying at a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. Place and duration: Fourth year and final year medical students at Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore were invited to voluntarily take part in this study. The study was conducted from 15th of June to the 15th of July 2022. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive study Methodology: Suicide behavior questionnaire revised (SBQ-R) was used as the study instrument. Data collection was anonymous and the study was approved by the local institutional review board. The study was approved by the Institutional review board of Azra Naheed Medical College, Lahore. Descriptive statitstics were employed to report the findings and SPSS version 26 was used to store and analyze the data. Results: A total of 248 medical students (51.5% female) participated in the study. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts/plans in the past was 36.3% and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts in the past year was 31%. More than 16% of students communicated their intent to commit suicide to someone else in the past and 7% of the students reported that it was likely, rather likely or very likely that they will attempt suicide in the future. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal thoughts/ planning in medical students is worryingly high. Medical teachers should routinely assess their students for the presence of depressive symptoms/suicidal thoughts and offer support for students who screen positive for these. Key words: Suicide, Medical students, Prevalence

Socio-economic and demographic patterns of mental health complaints among the employed adults in Estonia

BackgroundMental health problems follow a distinct socio-economic gradient and contribute to the health inequalities. The study aims to analyse the socio-economic and demographic factors of self-reported mental health complaints (stress, depressiveness, overtiredness, suicidal thoughts) among employed adult population in Estonia.MethodsData on 4041 employed respondents (2064 men and 1977 women) aged 20–64 years from nationally representative health surveys from years 2016 and 2018 in Estonia were used for the study. Dependent variables included self-reported stress, depressiveness, overtiredness, and suicidal thoughts. Descriptive statistics and both log-binomial and Poisson regression analysis were used to describe the socio-economic and demographic variations in these mental health complaints.ResultsMore than half of the respondents had either stress, depressiveness, overtiredness or suicidal thoughts with 25% reporting two or more of mental health complaints. Lower personal income was associated with higher rates of all mental health complaints (stress, depressiveness, overtiredness, and suicidal thoughts) among employed adults in Estonia. Additionally, lower education was associated with higher prevalence of depressiveness and lower job skills predicted higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Higher prevalence ratios for depressiveness and overtiredness were found for women compared to men whereas Estonians had higher prevalence ratios for stress and suicidal thoughts compared to non-Estonians. All mental health complaints were more frequently reported at younger ages (compared to 50-64-year olds) and by not married or cohabiting respondents.ConclusionHigh prevalence of mental health complaints and their socio-economic and demographic patterning refer to considerable inequalities in mental health among employed adults. Policy actions targeting especially younger adults and those with financial difficulties are needed to address these early manifestations of mental health problems.

Factors Associated With Mental Health Disorders Among University Students in France Confined During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and quarantine measures have raised concerns regarding their psychological effects on populations. Among the general population, university students appear to be particularly susceptible to experiencing mental health problems. To measure the prevalence of self-reported mental health symptoms, to identify associated factors, and to assess care seeking among university students who experienced the COVID-19 quarantine in France. This survey study collected data from April 17 to May 4, 2020, from 69 054 students living in France during the COVID-19 quarantine. All French universities were asked to send an email to their students asking them to complete an online questionnaire. The targeted population was approximately 1 600 000 students. Living in France during the COVID-19 quarantine. The rates of self-reported suicidal thoughts, severe distress, stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using the 22-item Impact of Events Scale-Revised, the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, the 20-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (State subscale), and the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Covariates were sociodemographic characteristics, precariousness indicators (ie, loss of income or poor quality housing), health-related data, information on the social environment, and media consumption. Data pertaining to care seeking were also collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. A total of 69 054 students completed the survey (response rate, 4.3%). The median (interquartile range) age was 20 (18-22) years. The sample was mainly composed of women (50 251 [72.8%]) and first-year students (32 424 [47.0%]). The prevalence of suicidal thoughts, severe distress, high level of perceived stress, severe depression, and high level of anxiety were 11.4% (7891 students), 22.4% (15 463 students), 24.7% (17 093 students), 16.1% (11 133 students), and 27.5% (18 970 students), respectively, with 29 564 students (42.8%) reporting at least 1 outcome, among whom 3675 (12.4%) reported seeing a health professional. Among risk factors identified, reporting at least 1 mental health outcome was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% CI, 2.02-2.19; P < .001) or nonbinary gender (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 2.99-4.27; P < .001), precariousness (loss of income: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.22-1.33; P < .001; low-quality housing: OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 2.06-2.57; P < .001), history of psychiatric follow-up (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 3.09-3.48; P < .001), symptoms compatible with COVID-19 (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.49-1.61; P < .001), social isolation (weak sense of integration: OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 3.35-3.92; P < .001; low quality of social relations: OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 2.49-2.75; P < .001), and low quality of the information received (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.49-1.64; P < .001). The results of this survey study suggest a high prevalence of mental health issues among students who experienced quarantine, underlining the need to reinforce prevention, surveillance, and access to care.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors and Their Associations With Transitional Life Events in Men and Women: Findings From an International Web-Based Sample.

BackgroundAlthough numerous studies have demonstrated sex differences in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB), there is a clear lack of research examining the similarities and differences between men and women in terms of the relationship between STB, transitional life events, and the coping strategies employed after experiencing such events when they are perceived as stressful.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the differences between men’s and women’s experiences of STB, sociodemographic predictors of STB, and how coping responses after experiencing a stressful transitional life event predict STB.MethodsA web-based self-report survey was used to assess the health and well-being of a voluntary community-based sample of men and women aged 16 years and older, living in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, who were recruited using web-based social media promotion and snowballing.ResultsIn total, 10,765 eligible web-based respondents participated. Compared with men, a significantly greater proportion of women reported STB (P<.001) and endorsed experiencing a transitional life event as stressful (P<.001). However, there were no gender differences in reporting that the transitional life event or events was stressful for those who also reported STB. Significant sociodemographic adjusted risk factors of STB included younger age; identifying as a sexual minority; lower subjective social connectedness; lower subjective intimate bonds; experiencing a stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months; living alone (women only); not being in employment, education, or training (women only); suddenly or unexpectedly losing a job (men only); and experiencing a relationship breakdown (men only). Protective factors included starting a new job, retiring, having a language background other than English, and becoming a parent for the first time (men only). The results relating to coping after experiencing a self-reported stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months found that regardless of sex, respondents who reported STB compared with those who did not were less likely to engage in activities that promote social connections, such as talking about their feelings (P<.001). Coping strategies significantly explained 19.0% of the STB variance for men (F16,1027=14.64; P<.001) and 22.0% for women (F16,1977=36.45; P<.001).ConclusionsThis research highlights multiple risk factors for STB, one of which includes experiencing at least one stressful transitional life event in the past 12 months. When individuals are experiencing such events, support from services and the community alike should consider using sex-specific or targeted strategies, as this research indicates that compared with women, more men do nothing when experiencing stress after a transitional life event and may be waiting until they experience STB to engage with their social networks for support.

Réinsertion psycho-sociale et économique des femmes opérées pour fistules obstétricales et non obstétricales au Congo

To study the psycho-social and economic reintegration of women operated for genital fistula in Congo. This was a descriptive observational study conducted in Brazzaville and Ewo, Republic of Congo, from April 1 to October 31, 2018. It included patients operated for genital fistula between 2008 and 2017. Variables of interest were socio-demographic, reproductive and clinical characteristics. The analysis was performed using the SPSS 20 software. The overall, 34 patients were studied, with age ranging from 29 to 65 years old with a median of 43 (39, 50) year. The context of fistula occurrence was obstetrical in 24 women (70%). The Practice of an income-generating activity before, during and after fistula was 76%; 32% and 64% (P=0.0007). Concerning the psychological status, in these women, self-esteem went from 26% to 73% (P=0.0003) and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts went from 29% before fistula treatment to 0% after (P=0.0009). The tendency to isolate themselves went from 44% before fistula cure to 3% after (P=0.00008). With regards to reproductive life, 54% of women had no desire for maternity and 17% did not have a desire of sexual intercourse. Only 26% of women benefited from the psychologist. Support. In this series, we observed a resumption of income-generating activities in women operated for a treatment of urogenital fistula and a psychological recovery with an increase in self-esteem and a decrease in suicidal thoughts. 4.

Self-Harm Behavior among Adolescent Students of Higher Secondary Schools of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Introduction: A sizable amount of adolescents do self-harm, but most cases do not reach medical services as well as the attention of college administration and parents, making such a study essential to be carried out. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and deliberate self-harm behavior remains largely unexplored. In this study, self-harm behaviors among adolescents studying at higher secondary schools were evaluated in selected schools of Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.&#x0D; Methods: The purposive sampling of five different higher secondary schools in the Kathmandu valley were taken as a study area and the census was done to select the sample population of the selected higher secondary school. A crosssectional analysis of self-administered questionnaire data was collected aftertaking informed and assent consent from participants (n= 243)14-19 years old.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of lifetime self-harm was approximately 55.6%. The most commonly used self-harm method was scratching the skin intensely (14.5%) and was followed by carving words or other marks on the skin (14.0%). Of those who reported self-harm, 34.8%, intentionally hurt themselves to get the attention of others and 17.8% to punish themselves. Concurrent alcohol consumption (OR=3.660), cigarette smoking (OR=2.50), and depression (OR= 3.01) were associated with a significantly increased risk of self-harm. Similarly, problems with various social relationships were associated with the risk of self-harm. 68.1% knew other people harming themselves before they were involved in self-harm and 19.6% were influenced by family, friends, and media to harm themselves.&#x0D; Conclusions: Self-harm behaviors are common among adolescents. Although the majority of self-harm behavior is not accompanied by a desire to die (serious attempt), all self-harm regardless of motivation is associated with an increased risk of deliberately harming when it is carried out repeatedly.

Understanding When and Why Some Adolescent Girls Attempt Suicide: An Emerging Framework Integrating Menstrual Cycle Fluctuations in Risk.

The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors increases dramatically across the transition to puberty, particularly among adolescent girls. Yet we know little about why adolescent girls are at heightened risk, or when girls may be most likely to consider or engage in suicidal behavior. In this article, we outline evidence supporting a role for the menstrual cycle in the onset of and fluctuations in adolescent girls' suicide risk. This emerging framework outlines developmental (i.e., biological, social, and cognitive) characteristics that might place certain girls at higher risk (e.g., between-subjects factors), as well as potential mechanisms that occur during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle (i.e., within-subjects factors) that increase adolescent females' increased risk for suicide.

Ten-year changes in the psychosocial well-being, psychopathology, substance use, suicidality, bullying, and sense of coherence of 18-year-old males: a Finnish population-based time-trend study

We studied Finnish 18-year-old males attending obligatory military call-up assessments in 1999 (n = 2340) and 2009 (n = 4309) on time-trend changes in psychosocial well-being, psychopathology, substance use, suicidality, bullying, and sense of coherence. Subjects filled in questionnaires, including the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) for psychopathology and the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-13) for sense of coherence. The prevalence of minor mental health problems in the last 6 months decreased from 22.3% in 1999 to 18.6% in 2009 (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9), whereas severe mental health problems remained stable. Suicidal thoughts decreased from 5.7 to 3.7% (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.8). The use of illicit drugs decreased from 6.0 to 4.7% (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.95), but being drunk at least once a week increased from 10.3 to 13.4% (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.5). Attention problems increased in YASR syndrome domains (mean score 2.9 vs 3.2, p < 0.001) and so did somatic complains (mean score 1.7 vs 1.9, p = 0.005). The SOC-13 scores remained stable. The percentage of males who had studied during the past 6 months increased from 91.4 to 93.4% (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), while being employed decreased from 64.9 to 49.4% (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.5–0.6). The positive findings included reductions in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and the use of illicit drugs, but being drunk at least once a week increased. Self-reported somatic problems and attention problems increased. Despite changes in society and family structures, there were only minor overall changes in psychopathology.

Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Youth: 1995-2017.

In this study, we determined trends in prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual youth from 1995 to 2017 using population-based surveillance data. Data were drawn from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 1995 to 2017 (unweighted N = 41 636). The annual percent change (APC) in prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was stratified by sexual orientation as indexed by sexual identity and sexual behavior. Among sexual minority youth, prevalence rates declined over the entire study period for suicidal ideation (APCsexual identity = -1.25; APCsexual behavior = -1.83), plans (APCsexual identity = -1.88; APCsexual behavior = -1.95), and attempts (APCsexual identity = -2.64; APCsexual behavior = -2.47). Among heterosexual youth, prevalence rates declined from 1995 to 2007 for suicidal ideation (APCsexual identity = -6.67; APCsexual behavior = -6.77) and plans (APCsexual identity = -5.73; APCsexual behavior = -6.25). These declines in ideation and plans were steeper than those for sexual minority youth. Prevalence of suicide attempts declined across the entire study period among heterosexual youth (APCsexual identity = -3.66; APCsexual behavior = -4.01). Prevalence of all 3 outcomes remained markedly high among sexual minority youth across the 23-year study period. Although suicidal thoughts and behavior have generally declined among sexual minority and heterosexual youth, disparities in these outcomes persist, and their prevalence among sexual minority youth has remained consistently elevated. Prioritized screening for risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this vulnerable population is imperative to reduce disparities and prevalence of these outcomes.

Suicidal Thought and Associated Factors Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at North-west Ethiopia: Unemployment and Depression Matters

Background: Suicidal thought precedes other suicidal behaviors and is associated with the risk of attempting and committing suicide. However, the issue is not well studied in developing countries in general and Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess ’lifetime prevalence and factors affecting suicidal thoughts among diabetes mellitus patients at Felegehiwot referral hospital. Method: we conducted analytic cross-sectional study from May 21 to June 21 at diabetic follow-up clinic. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to recruit a total of 421 participants. The suicide manual of the composite international diagnostic interview was adapted to assess suicidal thoughts. The medical chart of patients was reviewed to obtain relevant data on clinical variables. The factors associated with suicidal thoughts were identified with the binary logistic regression method. The strength of association between independent variables and suicidal thought was measured with odds ratio with 95% CI and the p-value of <0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 421 participants were interviewed. The lifetime prevalence of Suicidal thoughts was found to be 19.7%. Being divorced/widowed (AOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.12, 5.02), unemployment (AOR=3.67, 95% CI: 1.19, 11.32), type 1 diabetes (AOR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.73), comorbidity of medical illness (AOR=4.74, 95% CI: 2.26, 9.93), and comorbid depression (AOR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.38) were associated with suicidal thought. Conclusions: Suicidal thought was found to be an important public health problem in diabetes mellitus patients. So, early identification and treatment of patients with suicidal thoughts are important. Moreover; the management of medical comorbidities, depression, and psychosocial problems should be given due consideration.

The impact of Internet use on mental wellbeing and health behaviours among persons with disability

Abstract Background Disability is frequently related to the digital divide. However, the Internet may be also an opportunity for many people with disabilities, especially for those who suffer from difficulties in involving in social activities. For some of them, it is also a tool for undertaking professional tasks. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of the Internet on selected aspects of psychological wellbeing and undertaking health behaviours in persons with disabilities. Methods From the data set of the biannual Social Diagnosis survey, data of respondents confirming the status of disability were extracted. They were used for the development of multivariate logistic regression models for self-assessment of life, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, feeling lonely, the use of psychological support and health behaviours. The impact of Internet usage was adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Weights provided by the study team were used in the analysis. Results The responses from 3231 respondents were used in the analysis. There were 33.1% of Internet users in the study group. Respondents with a mild disability made 25.3%, with moderate 39.4%, with severe 24.2%, and without an established degree of disability 11.1%. Logistic regression modelling revealed that Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (OR, 95%CI): 1.40, 1.13-1.75) and undertook some form of physical activity (2.32, 1.84-2.91). They also less frequently excessively consumed alcohol (0.51, 0.33-0.80). No relation was found for experiencing loneliness (0.89, 0.71-1.12), suicidal thoughts (0.998, 0.77-1.29), receiving psychological care (0.84, 0.62-1.14) and smoking (0.83, 0.66-1.04). Conclusions Although persons with disabilities suffer from digital divide, Internet use may exert a beneficial impact on their wellbeing and favour more beneficial health behaviours. Key messages Internet access and use among persons with disabilities may be an opportunity for improved wellbeing. Persons with disabilities who are Internet users assess their lives as more happy and demonstrate more favourable health behaviours.

The Association of Internet Use with Wellbeing, Mental Health and Health Behaviours of Persons with Disabilities.

Introduction: There is strong evidence that people with disabilities suffer from a significant digital divide. However, there are reports indicating that Internet use may result in many benefits for those with disabilities. The aim of the study was to assess the impact that the use of the Internet has on the wellbeing and health behaviours of persons with disabilities. Methods: An analysis was carried out using the dataset obtained from Social Diagnosis, a panel study undertaken on a nationally representative sample. The records of persons with disabilities were retrieved from the dataset which was established in 2015. An analysis of the association between Internet use and the wellbeing, mental health and health behaviours of the respondents was undertaken. The variables reflecting the self-assessment of their own life and experience of loneliness were treated as being indicators of their wellbeing and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts or making use of psychological help as indicators of mental health. The health behaviours analysed in the study included smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and undertaking physical activity. For all these variables, multivariate logistic regression models were developed. The effect of Internet use was adjusted for sociodemographic variables and the degree of disability. An analysis was performed after applying post-stratification weights available from the Social Diagnosis study. Results: The weighted study group consisted of 2529 people having a mean age of 59.33 ± 16.89 years. The group included 20.71% (N = 524) respondents with a mild, 41.58% (N = 1052) with a moderate, and 26.54% (N = 671) with a severe disability. The proportion of Internet users was 37.07% (N = 937). In all the regression models, Internet use had a significant impact on the dependent variables. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables and the degree of disability, the Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.86, 1.47–2.37) and less frequently experienced loneliness (0.63, 0.49–0.81) or suicidal thoughts (0.47, 0.35–0.65). In addition, they needed psychological help less frequently (0.50, 0.35–0.72). Interestingly, Internet users undertook some form of physical activity or sport more often (2.41, 1.87–3.13) and fewer smoked cigarettes (0.70, 0.54–0.91) or consumed alcohol excessively (0.32, 0.19–0.56). Conclusions: The use of the Internet by people with disabilities was associated with improved wellbeing, better mental health and more beneficial health behaviours. These findings support the development of intensive actions to reduce the digital divide for the population of people with disabilities.

Suicide in Transgender Veterans: Prevalence, Prevention, and Implications of Current Policy

Transgender adults serve in the U.S. military at 2 to 3 times the rate of the general adult population. Unfortunately, transgender veterans die by suicide at twice the rate of their cisgender veteran peers and approximately 5.85 times the rate of the general population. This article reviews the literature regarding the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in transgender veterans. Suicide risk and resilience factors are reviewed, and future areas of study are detailed that incorporate findings from the broader suicide-prevention literature and research on transgender mental-health disparities. Individual services and broader prevention considerations are discussed, including the adaptation of evidence-based suicide-specific psychological interventions, national transgender health-training resources, and relevant veteran suicide-prevention initiatives. Finally, U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs policies regarding transgender service and health care are reviewed. State-level policies relevant to transgender veteran suicide such as firearm ownership and nondiscrimination laws are also reviewed, and their implications for suicide prevention are discussed. The aim of this article is to provide a broad review of research findings from multiple fields of study to assist health-care providers, researchers, and policymakers in their efforts to prevent transgender veteran suicide.