Eco-Systematic Analysis on the Factors Related to the Korean Elderly Suicide Ideation

Abstract

In the aging society, elderly suicide rates in Korea are higher than that of any other age group. The design of effective suicide prevention could start from identifying factors for elderly suicide ideation. Although suicide ideation is influenced by many factors, most studies have focused on individual factors alone. Thus, this study investigated factors related to the Korean elderly suicide ideation using eco-systematic analysis including individual, family, and social levels. Study subjects include 1,447 adults older than 65 using the data from 2011 National Health and Nutrition Survey. Data were analyzed using frequency test to show descriptive statistics and complex samples logistic regression considering the stratified, clustered, and systematic sampling design of National Health Nutrition Survey. The results of complex samples logistic regression showed that age, depression, and self-rated health at the individual level and unmet need of medical need at the social level were significant factors of suicide ideation. The findings of this study revealed that it is critical to establish appropriate intervention system and programs considering all three levels of eco-systematic analysis to prevent elderly suicide ideation.