SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS- CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY AT COMMUNITY SETTING

Abstract

Background: Suicidal ideation among older adults is an important and under studied public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where mental health support services for older populations are insufficient. Despite the increased risk to social, psychological, and health-related stressors, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among older adults in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the frequency of suicidal ideation and its sociodemographic correlates among older adults in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults aged 50 years and above. Participants completed a structured assessment of sociodemographic following the first five items of the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSI) to assess suicidal ideation. In this study, suicidal ideation was defined as a score of ≥1 on either Item 4 (desire for suicide) or Item 5 (desire to make a suicide attempt) on BSI. Descriptive analyses were conducted to determine the frequency of suicidal ideation and associated factors. Results: Among 497 older adults, 236 (47.5%) met the criteria for suicidal ideation, while 261 (52.5%) did not. Suicidal ideation was more frequently reported among older adults aged 50–59 years (58.6%) and among women (73.2%).  Conclusion: Suicidal ideation was highly prevalent among older adults at community setting, highlighting the need for appropriate suicide prevention strategies for older adults.  Routine assessment of suicidal thoughts within healthcare and community settings, alongside age and gender specific mental health support, may help facilitate early identification and prevention.