Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Socio-economic-cultural factors and depression in the elderly in suicidal ideation and suicidal intention

2022; Volume: 2; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.22533/at.ed.55821022140410

2764-0558

Margarida Pocinho, Fátima Regina Ney Matos, Ana Paula Amaral, Susana Ramos, Isabel Oliveira, Jorge Figueiredo, António Cardoso,

Suicide and suicide attempts are more frequent in the elderly than in other age groups.The main risk factor is the presence of a depressive disorder that often goes unnoticed or is insufficiently treated.In fact, there are no clear symptoms that can unequivocally give notice of suicidal intent.To evaluate the impact that the interaction of sociocultural factors and depression can have on suicidal ideation and intent in the elderly population.The sample under study consisted of 372 portuguese elderly persons from a community sample of Alentejo..We used a questionnaire assessing sociocultural risk (IRSI), the geriatric depression scale (GDS), the suicidal intent and suicidal ideation discussion (ETIIS), the loneliness scale (UCLA), the social support scale (SSQ) and the assessment of quality of life (ETAQV).Intent and suicidal ideation is associated with sociocultural variables, socialfamilial factors and personal history of suicide attempts.Outstanding among sociocultural factors is the representation of suicide and religiosity (indeed, suicidal intention/ideation was significantly associated with the definition of suicide as a 'noble resolution' of a personal problem and a lack of faith or religious conviction).Overall, the intent and suicidal ideation shows a strong relationship with depression and a moderate relationship with loneliness.Prevention of suicidal behavior in elderly people with depression and feelings of loneliness should include attention to the sociocultural factors and quality of life, especially if the intention is to reduce suicide risk.