Suicidality among Hong Kong nurses: prevalence and correlates

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Rising suicide rates in middle-aged employed groups globally.
• Elevated suicide risk concerns within medical professions.
• Limited research on suicide among Asian nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• Estimate suicidality prevalence in Hong Kong nurses.
• Identify socio-economic and psychological factors associated with suicidality.
• Inform suicide prevention strategies in the nursing profession.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey design.
• Data collected from 850 nurses in Hong Kong (Oct-Nov 2013).
• Statistical analysis including descriptive, univariate, and multivariate cumulative logit modeling.

Main Results:

• 14.9% of nurses contemplated suicide; 2.9% attempted suicide in the past year.
• Women reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
• Significant associations found with religion, poor health, self-harm, depressive symptoms, and perceived health.

Conclusions:

• Nurses face significant mental health challenges, including suicidality.
• Urgent need for comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives for nurses in Hong Kong.
• Recommendations for the local health authority to promote mental wellness in the nursing profession.