[Development and application of a multidimensional suicide prevention program for Korean elders by utilizing a...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Elderly populations are at high risk for suicide.
• Community networks can be leveraged for health interventions.
• Existing suicide prevention programs may not adequately address the needs of Korean elders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multidimensional suicide prevention program tailored for Korean elders.
• To integrate community networks into the program's delivery.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation and depression, and enhancing life satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was employed.
• Participants were recruited from two elderly institutions in South Korea.
• The experimental group (20 elders) received the multidimensional program, while the control group (19 elders) received no intervention.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed statistically significant reductions in depression and suicidal ideation compared to the control group.
• Life satisfaction significantly increased in the experimental group post-intervention.
• The community network component was integral to the program's success.

Conclusions:

• The developed multidimensional suicide prevention program effectively decreased depression and suicidal ideation in Korean elders.
• The program significantly enhanced life satisfaction among participants.
• This community-integrated intervention is a viable and efficient strategy for suicide prevention in vulnerable elderly populations.