Suicidal Ideation, Attempt and Associated Factors Among People Living with Cancer in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study - molla 2022
Suicide and cancer are serious global public health issues, and people with cancer are at high risk for suicidal behaviors, including suicidal ideation, planning, and attempt. Suicidal ideation and attempts were common among cancer patients, which led to poor medication adherence, deterioration of their medical condition, and death. In spite of the prevalence of cancer in Ethiopia, there are few studies on suicidal tendencies among cancer patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among cancer patients in Ethiopia. 416 individuals participated in a cross-sectional study conducted in an institution. Using the suicidality module of the World health organization (WHO) composite international diagnostic interview, outcome variables were evaluated (CIDI). Using SPSS-20, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted, and variables with P values less than 0.05 and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant. The incidence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was 16.6% and 5.5%, respectively. Being divorced [(AOR = 2.97, (95% CI 1.22, 7.22)], having depression [(AOR = 2.67, (95% CI 1.34, 5.32)], the first 18 months, since cancer diagnosis [(AOR = 2.57, (95% CI 1.15, 5.75)], severe pain [(AOR = 3.27, (95% CI 1.18, 9.04)], and stage IV cancer [(AOR = 3.35, (95% CI 1.18, 9.04)]. In contrast, female gender [(AOR = 5.32, (95%CI: 1.39, 20.25)], depression [(AOR = 4.8, (95%CI: 1.23, 18)], and advanced cancer stage [(AOR = 6.76, (95%CL: 1.2, 37)] were significantly associated with suicidal attempt. In this study, the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts was high. Providers of health care working in a cancer treatment unit should pay more attention to patients with elevated suicidal risk factors. In oncology treatment clinics, consultation services with psychiatric professionals should be strengthened.
Molla, A., Aderaw, M., Mulat, H. et al. Suicidal ideation, attempt and associated factors among people living with cancer in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Ann Gen Psychiatry21, 28 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-022-00407-0
