Korean J Health Promot.  2022 Dec;22(4):201-210. 10.15384/kjhp.2022.22.4.201.

Factors Related to Suicidal Ldeation in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Multimorbidity Using Data From the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey

• Kim SH
• Son YJ

• KMID: 2537440
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2022.22.4.201

Abstract

Background
Multimorbidity and suicide rates are on the rising among older Korean population. Recent studies have shown that multimorbidity is associated with increased suicidal ideation. Thus, this study was to investigate individual factors of suicidal ideation among older Korean adults with multimorbidity.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a subsample (n=20,533) with multimorbidity aged 65 over of the 2017 Korean community health survey. Binary logistic regression model assessed the association of physical activity, sitting times, self-reported sleep duration, and depression with suicidal ideation in older adults with multimorbidity.
Results
Overall, 2,790 (13.6%) of the sample reported suicidal ideation within the past year. Logistic regression analysis showed that women, low monthly family income, low physical activity, long sitting times, inappropriate sleep duration and depression were significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation in older adults with multimorbidity.
Conclusions
To reduce the rate of suicidal ideation in older adults with multimorbidity, healthcare providers should be aware of the importance on routine assessment for physical activities, sleep pattern, and mental status of older adults in clinical settings. Particularly, female and low-income older adults with multimorbidity should be prioritized for early detection and individualized suicide prevention based on our findings.

Keyword

Multimorbidity; Aged; Suicidal ideation; Community