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Published on: January 15, 2017
Suicidality among Finnish anaesthesiologists
P M Lindfors1, O A Meretoja, R A Luukkonen
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, HUS, Helsinki, Finland. pirjo.lindfors@kolumbus.fi
Physician suicide rates are high, with anesthesiologists showing significant suicidal ideation. Poor health, low social support, and workplace issues like conflicts and on-call stress are key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Physician suicide rates exceed the general population.
- Anesthesiologists exhibit particularly high rates of suicide.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Finnish anesthesiologists.
- To identify personal and occupational risk factors associated with suicidality in this group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional questionnaire study.
- Survey distributed to 550 working Finnish anesthesiologists.
- Response rate of 60% achieved.
Main Results:
- One in four anesthesiologists reported serious suicidal ideation.
- Significant risk factors included poor health, low social support, family problems, workplace conflicts, and on-call stress.
- Each additional risk factor doubled the likelihood of suicidality.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal ideation is a significant concern among Finnish anesthesiologists.
- Screening for risk factors and recognizing affected physicians is essential for intervention.
- Addressing interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and on-call burden is key for suicide prevention in physicians.
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