scholarly journals A Note on Recent Trends in Suicide in Fiji

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Forster ◽  
Selina C. Kuruleca ◽  
C.R. Auxier

AbstractThe incidence of suicides and attempted suicides is one indicator of mental health and life satisfaction within the population. The trends in suicidal behaviour vary with sex and ethnicity within the population, and underscore the impact of culture on people's lives and wellbeing. Although incidence of suicide provides important information, there has been no systematic reporting of data within the country. The only source of national data is the statistics unit of Fiji's police force, who record all deaths that were not caused by disease, along with such data as the sex and ethnicity of the deceased. The police are willing to provide information on suicide to researchers and government bodies, within the constraints of having the staff and other resources needed to provide such information. The present article explores what we know about this important social issue, and investigates some potential ways forward for dealing with it at individual and group levels.

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 366-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galena K. Rhoades ◽  
Claire M. Kamp Dush ◽  
David C. Atkins ◽  
Scott M. Stanley ◽  
Howard J. Markman

10.2196/15683 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e15683
Author(s):  
Sabrina Sze Man Lam ◽  
Stephen Jivraj ◽  
Shaun Scholes

Background There is uncertainty about the impact of internet use on mental health in older adults. Moreover, there is very little known specifically about the impact of particular purposes of internet use. Objective This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between two distinct concepts of mental health with the frequency of internet use among older adults: the moderating role of socioeconomic position (SEP) and the association between specific purposes of internet use. Methods Longitudinal fixed and random effects (27,507 person-years) models were fitted using waves 6-8 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing to examine the relationship between different aspects of internet use (frequency and purpose) and two mental health outcomes (depression and life satisfaction). The potential moderating effect of SEP on these associations was tested using interaction terms. Results Infrequent internet use (monthly or less vs daily) was predictive of deteriorating life satisfaction (β=−0.512; P=.02) but not depression. Education and occupational class had a moderating effect on the association between frequency of internet use and mental health. The associations were stronger in the highest educational group in both depression (P=.09) and life satisfaction (P=.02), and in the highest occupational group in life satisfaction (P=.05) only. Using the internet for communication was associated with lower depression (β=−0.24; P=.002) and better life satisfaction (β=.97; P<.001), whereas those using the internet for information access had worse life satisfaction (β=−0.86; P<.001) compared with those who did not. Conclusions Policies to improve mental health in older adults should encourage internet use, especially as a tool to aid communication.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Haddock ◽  
Daniel Pratt ◽  
Patricia A. Gooding ◽  
Sarah Peters ◽  
Richard Emsley ◽  
...  

BackgroundSuicidal behaviour is common in acute psychiatric wards resulting in distress, and burden for patients, carers and society. Although psychological therapies for suicidal behaviour are effective in out-patient settings, there is little research on their effectiveness for in-patients who are suicidal.AimsOur primary objective was to determine whether cognitive–behavioural suicide prevention therapy (CBSP) was feasible and acceptable, compared with treatment as usual (TAU) for in-patients who are suicidal. Secondary aims were to assess the impact of CBSP on suicidal thinking, behaviours, functioning, quality of life, service use, cost-effectiveness and psychological factors associated with suicide.MethodA single-blind pilot randomised controlled trial comparing TAU to TAU plus CBSP in in-patients in acute psychiatric wards who are suicidal (the Inpatient Suicide Intervention and Therapy Evaluation (INSITE) trial, trial registration: ISRCTN17890126). The intervention consisted of TAU plus up to 20 CBSP sessions, over 6 months continuing in the community following discharge. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks and 6 months post-baseline.ResultsA total of 51 individuals were randomised (27 to TAU, 24 to TAU plus CBSP) of whom 37 were followed up at 6 months (19 in TAU, 18 in TAU plus CBSP). Engagement, attendance, safety and user feedback indicated that the addition of CBSP to TAU for in-patients who are acutely suicidal was feasible and acceptable while on in-patient wards and following discharge. Economic analysis suggests the intervention could be cost-effective.DiscussionPsychological therapy can be delivered safely to patients who are suicidal although modifications are required for this setting. Findings indicate a larger, definitive trial should be conducted.Declaration of interestThe trial was hosted by Greater Manchester Mental health NHS Trust (formerly, Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust). The authors are affiliated to the University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation trust and the Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre. Y.A. is a trustee for a North-West England branch of the charity Mind.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 205510292199618
Author(s):  
Teshome Sirak Bedaso ◽  
Buxin Han

This study aimed to determine the impact of being without a job post-retirement on mental health (depression, life satisfaction) and behaviors (alcohol and cigarette). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 330 Ethiopians aged 60–69. Compared to workers, retirees without a job reported higher depression, lower life satisfaction, and hazardous drinking ( d = .49, .39 and φ = .65, respectively). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that being without a job post-retirement was associated with depression and life dissatisfaction. Thus, greater emphasis has to be given to improve the mental health and behaviors of retired elderly.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 258-268
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hargate ◽  
Sharon Howden ◽  
Emma Tarpey ◽  
Tammi Walker

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of both staff and patients in a medium-secure mental health unit of the self-harm and/or suicidal behaviour of others. Suicide and self-harm is highly prevalent in forensic settings and evidence suggests that experiencing other people’s self-harm and suicidal behaviour can lead to negative outcomes, both for staff and patients. This is particularly important in hospitals where patients are highly dependent on staff for support. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five staff members and six patients in a medium-secure male mental health unit in the North of England. Data were analysed following interpretative phenomenological analysis guidelines. Findings Three dominant themes were identified during analysis: the impact of suicide and self-harm; the role of others; and the importance of understanding and experience. Various impacts were discussed including desensitization, negative emotions and the desire to help. Other people played an important role in protecting against negative impacts, with shared experiences and peer support reported as the biggest benefits. Experiences of self-harm and suicide were found to increase understanding resulting in more positive attitudes. Additionally, the importance of training and education was highlighted. Originality/value This paper provides an insight into the experiences of staff and patients in medium-secure male mental health unit, which has benefits to practitioners when considering support mechanisms.


Author(s):  
Huan Zhang ◽  
Hongyang Wang ◽  
Huiyu Yan ◽  
Xiaoyu Wang

The number of elderly Internet users has increased significantly in the past few years. However, the impact of Internet use on mental health remains unclear. In this study, we performed a difference-in-differences analysis using data from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to evaluate the impact of Internet usage on mental health among elderly individuals. A total of 5031 validated respondents were included to explore the relationship between Internet use and reduced levels of depression as well as improved life satisfaction among elderly individuals. The results showed that Internet use significantly reduced depression levels. Unexpectedly, Internet use was not found to improve life satisfaction. Moreover, discontinuing Internet use was not significantly associated with improvements in depression or life satisfaction. More research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between Internet use and depression levels, as well as life satisfaction among elderly individuals.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enric Garcia Torrents

The present article addresses the need to rethink mental health care services from a social perspective, highlighting the impact of inequality and other determinants on people's suffering, while posing a critique of the role of the current biomedical model in controlling the population and maintaining a socioeconomic system that is both unhinged and unhinging.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 867-867
Author(s):  
Betz King ◽  
Adam Duberstein ◽  
McGlinn Maureen

Abstract Dog park members initially join and attend dog parks for the wellbeing of their dogs, but often experience their own biopsychosocial benefits. This mixed methodology (Quantitative n=44, Qualitative n=11) ) pilot study utilized qualitative heuristic interviewing (Moustakas, C., 1990) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (Pavot, W., & Diener, E. 2013). Data gathered from interviews and surveys administered to participants of a members-only dog-park indicate a high satisfaction with life. Members 60 years and older reported feelings of life satisfaction almost 7 points over the total respondent average, placing them in the “highly satisfied” range. All members experience the dog-park as a supportive social environment that benefits their physical health, mental health and the well-being of their canine companions. Five qualitative themes were identified: Canine Well-being, Community, Mental Health Benefits, Physical Health Benefits and Fights, Falls & Frustrations. These findings demonstrate the need for more research into the impact and importance of pet ownership, community dog parks and outdoor green spaces on older adults and life satisfaction.


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