J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Nov;54(4):444-458. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.4.444.

Investigation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experience Regarding Suicidal Behaviors among Psychiatric Residents in Korea : A Cross-Sectional Study

• Lee K
• Lee K
• Hwang J
• Hahn SW
• The Committee of Residency Training of the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association

• KMID: 2149326
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.4.444

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the effects of the grade of residents, sociodemographic variables, and clinical experience with suicidal patients on the knowledge and attitudes toward suicide among psychiatric residents in Korea.
METHODS
A self-reporting survey including 30 questions was conducted together with an investigation of the sociodemographic background of the research subjects. The questionnaire was composed of general knowledge questions on suicide, suicide-related personal experience, attitudes toward suicide, and the treatment experience of suicide attempt patients. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the differences and associations among the attitudes toward suicide, clinical experience of suicide, and sociodemographic characteristics.
RESULTS
A significantly higher response rate was presented in the 4th grade on general knowledge of suicide and treatment experience with suicide attempt patients than in the 1st grade. Residents with previous history of psychiatric treatment suicide plans, or attempts presented a significantly higher level of permissive attitude toward suicide. Residents who had a previous history of suicide attempt among their own patients were more likely to think that they were more capable to prevent suicide of patients.
CONCLUSION
Effective clinical practices are essential considering the fact that the highest suicide risk groups will inevitably be referred to psychiatric clinical services. The authors expect that the study results regarding suicide-related knowledge, attitudes, and the experience of psychiatric residents will contribute to the development of effective resident training programs for suicide-related clinical practice in Korea.

Keyword

Attitudes toward suicide; Experience in clinical practice of suicide attempters; Psychiatric residents in Korea

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies*
Education
Humans
Korea*
Logistic Models
Research Subjects
Suicide

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