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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Suicide | Research article

Physical multimorbidity and lifetime suicidal ideation and plans among rural older adults: the mediating role of psychological distress

Authors: Zhengyue Jing, Jie Li, Pei Pei Fu, Yi Wang, Yemin Yuan, Dan Zhao, Wenting Hao, Caiting Yu, Chengchao Zhou

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have revealed that single physical chronic condition was associated with suicidal ideation/plans, but few studies have examined the relationship between multimorbidity and suicidal ideation/plans, and no studies have explored the underlying potential mechanism on this relationship in China. This study aimed to explore association between physical multimorbidity and suicidal ideation as well as plans, and further examine the mediating role of psychological distress (PD) on this relationship.

Methods

This study was based on the data from a survey about the health service of rural elderly household in Shandong, China. A total of 3242 adults aged 60 years and older were included in this study. PD was measured by Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Ordinal and binary logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the association between physical multimorbidity, PD and suicide ideation/plans. Bootstrapping analysis was further used to examine the mediation effect of PD on the association of multimorbidity and suicidal ideations/plans.

Results

The prevalence of multimorbidity, lifetime suicidal ideation, and suicidal plan in rural older adults was 35.2, 10.6 and 2.2%, respectively. Older adults living in rural areas with two or more chronic physical conditions experienced significantly higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal plans. The association between multimorbidity and suicidal ideations/plans was partially mediated by PD, of which, the mediating effect of PD accounted for 31.7 and 25.5% of the total effect, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the associations between physical multimorbidity and suicidal ideation/plans, and the mediating role of PD on this relationship among Chinese rural elderly. Healthcare providers in rural community should provide regular surveillance for the mental health status among the rural elderly with multimorbidity, and carry out various effective intervention measures to improve the mental health status, so as to reduce the risk of suicide.

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Title: Physical multimorbidity and lifetime suicidal ideation and plans among rural older adults: the mediating role of psychological distress
Authors: Zhengyue Jing
Jie Li
Pei Pei Fu
Yi Wang
Yemin Yuan
Dan Zhao
Wenting Hao
Caiting Yu
Chengchao Zhou
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03087-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Physical multimorbidity and lifetime suicidal ideation and plans among rural older adults: the mediating role of psychological distress

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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