| |
Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
 | |
|
| Suicidal ideation and its correlates among elderly in residential care homes | | Author(s) | Daniela Malfent, Tanja Wondrak, Nestor D Kapusta |
| Journal title | International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, vol 25, no 8, August 2010 |
| Pages | pp 843-849 |
| Source | http://www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/gps DOI: 10.1002/gps.2426 |
| Keywords | Suicide ; Care homes ; Cross sectional surveys ; Austria. |
| Annotation | The highest suicide rates are found among the older population; therefore suicidal ideation is prevalent in long-term care facilities. Despite these facts and multiplying losses, most residents show no signs of suicidal ideation. There is a lack of information on which factors protect against suicidal thoughts among the elderly. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation with risk and protective factors among older residential care home residents in Vienna. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 Viennese residential care homes. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire containing socio-demographic factors, physical health, mental health, and protective factors like optimistic attributional style, self-efficacy, and internal locus of control as well as satisfaction with life and were finally asked about active and passive suicidal thoughts and behaviours. With the voluntary participation of 129 residents aged 60 years or more, active suicidal ideation during the last month was identified in 7% of the elderly, 11% reported active suicidal ideation during the past year. Primarily, it was found that protective factors like internal locus of control, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life were important single predictors of active suicidal ideation during the past month. Depressive symptoms and current psychotherapeutic treatment were additionally important predictors. Suicidal ideation is prevalent in Viennese residential care homes; consequently it is necessary to recognize and treat suicidal ideation in an adequate way. The findings suggest that research and prevention strategies could not merely target risk, but also include protective factors. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-100921205 A |
| Classmark | EV: KW: 3KB: 76A |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
|
| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
| |
|