여성 독거노인의 자살생각 영향요인

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate suicide ideation and attempts in older women living alone and to identifythe factors affecting suicide ideation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional correlational study using secondary dataanalysis. Original data (n=1,023) were collected using face-to-face interviews from August to October 2018 inSiheung city to investigate the need for health care and daily life support services. Study participants were 297 olderwomen (age=74.67±5.35), with inclusion criteria being women≥65 years old and living alone, those withoutcognitive impairment(Mini-Mental State Examination-2 Standard Version (MMSE-2 SV)≥24), and those who couldevaluate instrumental activities of daily living. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent t-test,Pearsons correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Data analysis showed 26.9%of participants reported suicide ideation with a frequency of 4.14 out of 10 points. Among study participants, 8.8%had attempted suicide with an average of 2.65 attempts. Participants who had children thought about suicide morethan those who did not. Living children, personal income, participation in economic activity, social support,depression, chronic diseases, frailty, and suicide attempts were significantly correlated with suicide ideation. Therefore, depression, frailty and suicide attempts were factors affecting suicide ideation for older women livingalone. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that evaluating depression, frailty, and history of suicide attemptsis important for suicide prevention in older women living alone.