Factors associated with suicide ideation among medically and surgically hospitalized patients

Abstract 

Objective

To identify the factors associated with suicide ideation among medically and surgically hospitalized patients.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 4328 individuals admitted to a general hospital completed a screening questionnaire comprised of demographic and clinical information, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview item on current suicide ideation, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale subscale for depression and the Alcohol use Disorder Identification Test. A multiple logistic regression produced a discriminate profile of individuals with suicide ideation.

Results

The prevalence rate for current suicide ideation was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.3–5.6). Patients admitted to the Infectious Disease, Oncology and Hematology units presented higher rates of suicide ideation (7.9%, 7.8% and 7.2%, respectively). Suicidal ideation was associated to depression [odds ratio (OR)=8.3], young age (18–35 years old: OR=2.5), alcohol use disorders (OR=2.3), and smoking (OR=1.8).

Conclusion

Suicidal ideation was consistently associated with indicators of mental disorders. It is proxy, not for completed suicide, but for a variety of common psychiatric conditions that can and should be dealt with in the medical/surgical setting.

Keywords: Suicide, Medical patients, Surgical patients, General hospital