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The Challenges of Predicting Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in a Sample of Rural Australians with Depression

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  • Tonelle Handley

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Jane Rich

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Centre for Resources Health and Safety, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Kate Davies

    (Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Terry Lewin

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Hunter New England Mental Health, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia)

  • Brian Kelly

    (School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Centre for Resources Health and Safety, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death, particularly in rural and remote areas. Although depression is strongly related to both suicidal ideation and attempt, it lacks specificity as a predictor, and little is known about characteristics that increase suicide risk among people with depression. A telephone version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview explored lifetime depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and related factors among a community-dwelling sample of rural and remote Australians, selected for an interview based on a screener for psychological distress (100% of those with high distress, 75% of those with moderate distress, and 16% of those with low distress). Of 1051 participants interviewed, 364 reported lifetime symptoms of depression; of these, 48% reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 16% reported a lifetime suicide attempt. While depression severity was a significant correlate of suicidality for both males and females, suicide attempt was significantly more common among females with a younger age of depression onset, and a higher number of psychiatric comorbidities. No additional factors were significant for males. Among rural and remote residents with lifetime symptoms of depression, the identification of suicide risk may be enhanced by considering individual and contextual factors beyond depression severity. Further research focusing on risk factors for males would be beneficial.

Suggested Citation

  • Tonelle Handley & Jane Rich & Kate Davies & Terry Lewin & Brian Kelly, 2018. "The Challenges of Predicting Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours in a Sample of Rural Australians with Depression," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:928-:d:144911
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sushmitha Kasturi & Victor M. Oguoma & Janie Busby Grant & Theo Niyonsenga & Itismita Mohanty, 2023. "Prevalence Rates of Depression and Anxiety among Young Rural and Urban Australians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Louise Brådvik, 2018. "Suicide Risk and Mental Disorders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-4, September.
    3. Yoo Mi Jeong & Hanjong Park, 2020. "Influence of Parental Attitude Toward Psychiatric Help on Their Children’s Suicidal Ideation: A Convenience Sample Study on One South Korean Middle School," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Laura Grattidge & Ha Hoang & Jonathan Mond & David Lees & Denis Visentin & Stuart Auckland, 2023. "Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-18, February.
    5. Kundadak Ganesh Kudva & Edimansyah Abdin & Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar & Boon Yiang Chua & Saleha Shafie & Swapna Kamal Verma & Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung & Derrick Heng Mok Kwee & Siow Ann Chong & Mythily S, 2021. "The Relationship between Suicidality and Socio-Demographic Variables, Physical Disorders, and Psychiatric Disorders: Results from the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-12, April.

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