|
KMID : 0365220110480010023
|
|
Korean Journal of Public Health
2011 Volume.48 No. 1 p.23 ~ p.34
|
|
|
A Review on the Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation among the Korean Elderly (2000-2010)
|
|
Kim Myung-Hwa
Kim Hong-Soo
|
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the studies published over the last ten years on risk factors for suicidal ideation among the Korean elderly.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using the major medical and health-related databases (PubMed, DBpia, RISS, KISS, KMbase, and National Assembly Library of Korea) with a set of keywords. A total of 41 articles published from 2000 to 2010 were selected for the review. The risk factors of suicidal ideation in the literature were categorized into physical, psychological, and social factor (life stressors and demographic factors). Their associations with suicidal ideation were reviewed and summarized. The instruments used to measure suicidal ideation were also examined.
Results: Depression was the most significant risk factor for and a mediator of suicidal ideation among the Korean elderly. Demographic factors and self-reported health and their relationships with suicidal ideation were often examined, but the findings were inconsistent across studies. Stress level as well as family and social support were significant risk factors for suicidal ideation, while perceived economic status and actual income level were not. The Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) and the Scale Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) were the two most widely used instruments, but they were modified in various ways across studies. Most existing studies on the topic of interest used cross-sectional and convenient samples.
Conclusion: The existing studies support the need for early detection and management of depressive symptoms and stress, the key risk factors, to decrease suicidal ideation among the Korean elderly. Further studies with stronger research designs are necessary to obtain better evidence on whether physical health and social support can prevent suicidal ideation directly or by improving mental health. Necessary are consistent uses of measures for suicidal ideation across studies and further examination of cultural equivalence of the translated measures in Korean.
|
|
|
KEYWORD
|
|
|
Suicide, Depression, Older Adults, Mental Health, Literature Review
|
|
|
FullTexts / Linksout information
|
|
|
|
|
|
Listed journal information
|
|
|
|
|