Suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts among adults with chronic diseases: A cross-sectional study

About 14% of the global burden of disease has been attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to show the general picture of suicidal ideation and behavior among Korean, and to test the hypothesis that there is a positive association between diseases and suicidality.

A total of 19,599 individuals were asked if they had any chronic diseases, suicidal ideation and attempts. The data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V, 2010-2012) conducted by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) were examined.

Stroke and osteoarthritis were associated with a 1.81 and 1.27 times increase in the odds of suicidal ideation, respectively (95% CI=1.24-2.65; 95% CI=1.09-1.48). Angina pectoris and osteoarthritis were associated with a 3.88 and 2.09 times increase in the odds of suicide attempts (95% CI=1.78-8.43; 95% CI=1.24-3.55). Having pulmonary tuberculosis increased the odds of a suicide attempt 12-fold (OR=12.47, 95% CI=1.12-138.66). Having renal failure was associated with a 4.92 times increase in the odds of suicide attempts (95% CI=1.25-19.30). Having lung cancer or cervical cancer increased the odds of suicide attempts more than 10-fold (OR=11.53, 95% CI=1.03-128.80; OR=17.66, 95% CI=1.58-197.01).

Various diseases were risk factors for suicidality. Physicians' communication skills for frank and clear discussions about suicidality should be developed through various training courses.