PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF LATE-ONSET SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ATTEMPTS AMONG KOREAN ELDERS

摘要

>Purpose of the Study: The present study examined prevalence and correlates of late-onset suicidal ideation and attempts among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. >Methods: Drawn from the 2013 national survey of older adults in South Korea, 10,267 adults aged 65 or older were analyzed. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, correlation and logistic regression analyses. >Results: Prevalence rates for late onset suicidal ideation and attempts were 10.9% and 12.5%, respectively. One of the main reasons for late onset suicidal ideation was financial strain (40.4%), followed by health issues (24.4%) and feelings of loneliness (13.3%). Several significant correlates of for late onset suicidal ideation and attempts were found. Those experiencing late onset suicidal ideation were more likely to be female and have lower educational attainments and annual income and greater functional limitations. Late onset suicidal attempts were associated with female gender, not married status, unemployment, lower annual income and no functional limitations. >Conclusions: Late-onset suicidal ideation and attempts among Korean elders were found to be high compared to older adults in other countries. Understanding correlates of late-onset suicidal ideation and attempts may help reduce suicidal rates and improve the treatment for Korean older adults experiencing late-onset suicidal ideation and attempts. Clinical implications are also discussed in a cross-cultural context.