scholarly journals Correctional Work: Reflections Regarding Suicide

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4280
Author(s):  
Christine Genest ◽  
Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Employee Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Program

The Public Health Agency of Canada declared suicide a public health problem in Canada (2016). Employees working in correctional services, researchers find, experience high rates of life-time suicidal ideation in comparison to other public safety professionals and the general population. Suicide behaviours (i.e., ideation, planning, attempts, death) are a multifactorial phenomenon, explained in part by the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide that suggests attempted suicide is facilitated by perceived burdensomeness, a lost sense of belonging, a feeling of hopelessness, and a progressively reduced fear of death, as well as capacity and planning to engage a lethal attempt. In the current study, we unpack the factors that can influence suicide behaviours as reported by correctional workers. Our intent is to make explicit the experiences of a small sample (n = 25) of correctional workers in relation to suicidal behaviours, highlighting stories of recovery and acknowledging the importance of facilitating psychologically safe workplaces. Analysis entailed an inductive semi-grounded emergent theme approach. Participants identified certain risk factors as being able to induce suicidal ideation, such as marital or family problems as well as difficulties at work (i.e., bullying or difficult working conditions). Having children and a partner may act as factors preventing suicide for those with ideation. Participants sought help from professionals, such as their family doctor, a psychologist, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP); however, the lack of perceived organisational supports and recognition of the issue of suicide by the employer are two elements that can hinder the search for help.

Substance Abuse and Drug-Related Death, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide: A Review

Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Mino ◽  
Arnaud Bousquet ◽  
Barbara Broers
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Hiv Epidemic

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.

Towards an Explanatory Model of Suicidal Ideation: The Effects of Cognitive Emotional Regulation Strategies, Affectivity and Hopelessness

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Ezequiel Flores-Kanter ◽  
Zoilo Emilio García-Batista ◽  
Luciana Sofía Moretti ◽  
Leonardo Adrián Medrano
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
American Psychological Association ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Explanatory Model ◽  
Cognitive Emotion Regulation ◽  
Regulation Strategies

Abstract Suicide constitutes a public health problem that has a significant economic, social and psychological impact on a global scale. Recently, the American Psychological Association has indicated that suicide prevention should be a public health priority. Suicidal ideation appears as a key variable in suicide prevention. The objective of this research was to verify the adjustment of an explanatory model for suicidal ideation, which considers the effects of cognitive emotion regulation strategies, affectivity and hopelessness. An open mode on-line sample of 2,166 Argentine participants was used and a path analysis was carried out. The results make it possible to conclude that the model presents an optimal fit (χ2 = .10, p = .75, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .01) and predicts 42% of suicidal thoughts. The model proves to be invariant based on age and gender. In conclusion, there is an importance of reducing the use of automatic strategies, such as repetitive negative thoughts of ruminative type, and increasing the use of more controlled strategies, such as reinterpretation or planning.

Psychosocial Determinants of Burn-Related Suicide: Evidence From the National Violent Death Reporting System

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thereasa E Abrams ◽  
Stephen V McGarity
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Violent Death ◽  
Health Crisis

Abstract Suicide is a unique phenomenon in humans. In 2017, over 47,000 Americans died by suicide, prompting a public health crisis. Suicide by burning, while one of the rarest forms of suicide, could be mitigated in part by early recognition and treatment of the underlying psychosocial factors. To date, investigators have attempted to tease out the risk factors associated with this phenomenon through the examination of burn center chart reviews and repository data, but these studies were limited by small sample sizes. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the authors analyzed 14 years of data (2003–2016) from the National Violent Death Reporting System. Suicides by burning (n = 722) were compared with a reference group containing all other suicide types (n = 166,949). Socio-demographic variables and psychosocial factors (eg, mental health, substance use, and alcohol use) were included in the model. Due to the imbalance between the target and reference groups, rare event data analysis was used to reduce potential small sample estimation bias. Results indicated that females (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: .50–2.83, P < .001), Caucasians (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7, P < .001), victims with schizophrenia (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 3.7–7.8, P < .001), and victims with eating disorders (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.9–8.6, P < .001) are significantly more likely to commit suicide by burning. These results contribute new knowledge to what is currently known about suicidal burn-related behaviors and supports interventions that focus on mitigating this insidious public health problem.

scholarly journals Developing and Testing the Populi Needle Exchange Point Finder: An App to Reduce Harm Associated With Intravenous Drug Consumption Among Homeless and Non-homeless Drug Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fran Calvo ◽  
Xavier Carbonell ◽  
Carles Mundet
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Needle Exchange ◽  
Needle Exchange Program ◽  
Exchange Program ◽  
Use Of Technology

The spread of viral infections remains a serious public health problem. People who inject drugs represent one of the highest-risk groups. eHealth and mHealth have been shown to be effective in improving individuals' management of their own health and their access to health care and to contribute to reducing the costs associated with certain medical interventions. People who inject drugs, including homeless people, tend to have access to technology. Young homeless people in particular are likely to use smartphones and social networking sites in ways that are similar to the general population. Despite this widespread use of technology, there are no apps designed specifically to reduce harm in people who inject drugs. The objective of this study is to analyze the development and usability testing process for an application for mobile devices, designed to complement the Needle Exchange Program. This app—the first of its kind—was developed by a public health agency, specialized professionals and people who inject drugs. We analyzed the differences in how health providers and drug users experienced the usability of the app. The participants were 61 members of multidisciplinary professional group and 16 people who inject drugs. We used a cross-sectional quantitative, observational design. First, we created and administered a questionnaire to collect the sociodemographic characteristics that could mediate the use of technology. Next participants tried the app and filled out a second questionnaire in which they rated their experience on a Likert scale from 1 to 7 in the following dimensions: overall attractiveness of the app, ease/difficulty of use, the extent to which they believed the app could improve access to injection materials, the extent to which they thought it would improve PWID's participation in the needle exchange program, overall utility, the degree to which they thought PWID would use the app, and the need for the app. To analyze the answers, we used contingency tables and compared means using a Student's t test. Finally, we conducted six audio-recorded focus groups about how the participants experienced the usability of the app. The objective of this part of the study was to classify and quantify the contributions of individuals and the group according to three predefined categories: potential benefits and positive aspects, potential obstacles or difficulties in carrying out the project, and concrete suggestions for improving the interface. There were not significant differences between the sociodemographic variables and the variables related to use of the app between professionals and PWID. Both professionals and PWID rated the app as intuitive and useful, especially the geolocation function for NEPs. Both groups also thought that the interface contained too much information and that this excess could be confusing for users. Both groups also had similar opinions about the app and its uses. An important difference between the two groups is that PWID reported that they would use the app, while professionals reported that they didn't think PWID would use it. All participants proposed improvements on the prototype, suggestions that will be applied in the creation of the definitive interface. Including professionals and patients in this sort of usability test enables researchers and developers to detect the needs of potential app users.

Incidence of Suicide Attempts in Madrid: Characteristics of the Attempts and Response of the Health System

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
M. Miret ◽  
C. Morant ◽  
R. Nuevo ◽  
M. Jiménez ◽  
M. Reneses ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health System ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
The Public ◽  
Emergency Units

Background:Suicide is a serious public health problem. In 2005, 793 people were hospitalized in Madrid due to suicide attempt. However, most of the attempts do not require hospitalization and patients are discharged after the intervention in the emergency units. With the aim to implement local policies to prevent suicide, it is important to know the whole spectrum of suicide attempts that contact emergency units in Madrid.Aims:To explore the incidence of suicide attempts assisted in the public health system in Madrid and to analyze their characteristics and the response of the health system.Method:Clinical reports of all patients attempting suicide were analyzed during 4 months in 4 general public hospitals (covering 44.7% of the whole population) in the Community of Madrid.Results:1009 suicide attempts committed by 921 people (66.2% women) were collected, with an incidence of 34.3 people per 100.000 in 4 months. 57 people (6.2%) committed more than one attempt (range 2 to 10, mean=2.5 ± 1.3). After the emergency intervention 71.9% of the patients were discharged, 25.3% hospitalized, 2.6% fled, and 0.2% died. Regarding suicidal ideation, 7.5% presented very high levels during evaluation, while 13.1% had high levels, 20.3% moderate and 47.3% had no suicidal ideation.Conclusion:Compared with other European countries, our findings show moderate incidence of suicide attempts, most of which were mild, treated in the emergency units and derived to outpatient psychiatric follow-up. These results suggest places to develop and implement prevention measures.Funded by Instituto de Salud Pública de Madrid.

Developing an evaluation tool for disaster risk messages

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 570-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline D Bergeron ◽  
Daniela B Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Expert Assessment ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – Risk communication is a critical component of individual health decision making and behavior. In disaster situations, it is crucial that risk-related messages are communicated accurately and that they reach and inform target audiences about the steps they can take to protect their health. Despite a global recognition of the importance of risk communication in responding to disasters, there remains a dearth of evidence on how to evaluate the effectiveness of risk communication messages. The purpose of this paper is to develop and assess a pilot tool to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster risk messages. Design/methodology/approach – A pilot evaluation tool was developed using the existing risk communication literature. An expert assessment of the tool was conducted using an open-ended survey and a focus group discussion with 18 experts at the Public Health Agency of Canada in February 2013. Findings – The tool measures content, reach, and comprehension of the message. It is intended to be a quick, internal evaluation tool for use during a disaster or emergency. The experts acknowledged the practicality of the tool, while also recognizing evaluation challenges. Research limitations/implications – This pilot exploratory tool was assessed using a relatively small sample of experts. Practical implications – This tool offers public health and disaster preparedness practitioners a promising approach for evaluating and improving the communication and management of future public health emergencies. Originality/value – This is the first practical tool developed to evaluate risk communication messages in disaster situations.

scholarly journals Suicidal Ideation, Psychological Distress and Child-To-Parent Violence: A Gender Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belén Martínez-Ferrer ◽  
Ana Romero-Abrio ◽  
Celeste León-Moreno ◽  
María Elena Villarreal-González ◽  
Daniel Musitu-Ferrer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Gender Analysis ◽  
Social Self ◽  
Family Risk Factors ◽  
Family Risk ◽  
Individual Outcomes

Child-to-parent violence (CPV) is a growing public health problem with consequences for perpetrators and families. Most research has focused on individual and family risk factors. However, little is known about its links with individual outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between CPV and psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and self-concept in school-aged adolescents, taking into account the gender perspective. A study was conducted with a sample of 8,115 adolescents, aged between 11 and 16 years (M = 13.34; SD = 1.04) from the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. A MANOVA 3 × 2 was performed to analyze the data. The results revealed that adolescents involved in CPV showed higher levels of psychological distress and suicidal ideation and lower levels of family and social self-concept. It was also observed that girls with higher levels of CPV scored the lowest levels of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, as well as the lowest levels of family self-concept. The findings highlight that adolescents and especially girls involved in CPV also report internal maladjustment outcomes. Finally, the results and their implications for research and intervention with adolescents involved in CPV are discussed.

scholarly journals Suicide and self-inflicted injury hospitalizations in Canada (1979 to 2014/15)

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 243-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Skinner ◽  
S. McFaull ◽  
J. Draca ◽  
M. Frechette ◽  
J. Kaur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Suicide Mortality ◽  
Discharge Abstract Database ◽  
Annual Percent Change ◽  
Over Time

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to describe the trends and patterns of self-inflicted injuries, available from Canadian administrative data between 1979 and 2014/15, in order to inform and improve suicide prevention efforts. Methods Suicide mortality and hospital separation data were retrieved from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) holdings of Statistics Canada’s Canadian Vital Statistics: Death Database (CVS:D) (1979 to 2012); Canadian Socio-Economic Information Management System (CANSIM 2011, 2012); the Hospital Morbidity Database (HMDB) (1994/95 to 2010/11); and the Discharge Abstract Database (2011/12 to 2014/15). Mortality and hospitalization counts and rates were reported by sex, 5-year age groups and method. Results The Canadian suicide rate (males and females combined, all ages, age-sex standardized rate) has decreased from 14.4/100 000 (n = 3355) in 1979 to 10.4/100 000 (n = 3926) in 2012, with an annual percent change (APC) of –1.2% (95% CI: –1.3 to –1.0). However, this trend was not observed in both sexes: female suicide rates stabilized around 1990, while male rates continued declining over time—yet males still accounted for 75.7% of all suicides in 2012. Suffocation (hanging and strangulation) was the primary method of suicide (46.9%) among Canadians of all ages in 2012, followed by poisoning at 23.3%. In the 2014/15 fiscal year, there were 13 438 hospitalizations in Canada (excluding Quebec) associated with self-inflicted injuries—over 3 times the number of suicides. Over time females have displayed consistently higher rates of hospitalization for self-inflicted injury than males, with 63% of the total. Poisoning was reported as the most frequent means of self-inflicted harm in the fiscal year 2014/15, at 86% of all hospitalizations. Conclusion Suicides and self-inflicted injuries continue to be a serious—but preventable— public health problem that requires ongoing surveillance.

scholarly journals Association between Health Risk Behavior and Suicidal Ideation, Continuous Sadness and Depression among Malaysian Youth

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Nor Asiah Muhamad ◽  
Norazilah Mohd Roslan ◽  
Aziman Mahdi ◽  
Norbaidurah Ithnain ◽  
Normi Mustapha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Risk Behavior ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Public Health Importance

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a global public health importance and a second leading cause of death in adolescents. It is more common among adolescents and is considered as a serious public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the association between health risk behavior with suicidal ideation, continuous sadness and depression among Malaysian youth.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 4088 youth aged 13–17 years old from 50 selected schools. A stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from different classes. The students were randomly selected using the same software throughout the country. Verbal consent was obtained from the student and parents prior to data collection. A standardized self-administered questionnaire adapted from the United States’ Youth Behaviour Risk Surveillance Survey (YBRSS) were used.RESULTS: The rates of Continuous Sadness (CS), Depression (DP) and Suicidal Ideation (SI) were 34.3%, 13.2% and 7.9% respectively. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio showed that sexual abuse was associated with SI 8.04 (95% CI: 4.66, 13.84), CS 5.72 (95% CI: 3.21, 9.82) and DP 4.68% (95% CI: 2.80, 7.83); alcohol use was associated with SI 1.62 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.47) and DP 1.67 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.33). Female was associated with all suicidal behaviours: SI 2.48 (95% CI: 1.90, 3.24), CS 2.07 (95% CI: 1.80, 2.37) and DP 1.41 (95% CI: 2.17, 1.71). Smoking and drug was not associated with CS, DP and SI.CONCLUSIONS: Given the well-founded concern of increasing risk of suicidal behaviour among youth, preventive efforts should adopt a more comprehensive approach in dealing with sexual abuse and alcohol abuse, especially in female.

scholarly journals Suicidality amongst young adults in South-south Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 3737
Author(s):  
Obielumanii I. Oguche ◽  
Ulunma I. Mariere ◽  
Adedotun D. Adesina ◽  
Hilda C. Afakwu-Adimoha ◽  
Rukevwe Akakabota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Suicide Ideation ◽  
Positive Family History ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Suicidal Plans

Background: Suicidality is a broad term that encompasses suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts. Suicide cuts across all age groups however the young adulthood phase is a critical time for the onset of suicidal behaviours. Often suicide is underreported because of the shame, as such it is a neglected public health problem in our environment. This study seeks to describe the pattern of suicidality and reported health seeking behaviour amongst young people in Bayelsa State.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the national youth service corps orientation camp, Bayelsa amongst 387 corps members. With the aid of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise manual on non-communicable diseases; information on socio demographic features, suicide ideation, plan and attempt were obtained. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0.Results: The mean age was 25.37 (SD±2.38) years. Most participants were males (58.9%) and single (95.3%). Prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts was 7.5%, 4.4% and 3.1% respectively. Above one third (35.4%) of those who made suicidal plans in the past 12 months, actually attempted suicide, 4.4% and 2.6% of the respondents had a positive family history of suicide attempt and suicide death respectively.Conclusions: Young adults are a critical population for suicidality. Public health awareness on mental health promotion and uptake of mental health service should be encouraged. Decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria and better surveillance will enable more effective suicide prevention strategies.

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