Abstract:
Abstract
Background: Both Suicide and cancer are serious public health concerns worldwide.
People living with cancer are at high risk of suicide and suicidal behavior. Presence of
suicidal ideation and attempt produce complication with treatment, leads to poor
adherence, worsening of the condition, decrease quality of life and increase mortality.
However, research in this area is limited.
Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and associated factors of
suicidal ideation and attempt among people living with cancer.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at University of Gondar and Felege
Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospitals. A systematic random sampling
technique was used to recruit 416 peoples living with cancer from April 28 to June, 5
2020. Suicidal ideation and attempt were assessed by using the Compost International
Diagnostic Interview module of the World Mental Health survey initiative version of the
World Health Organization. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify significant factors. Statistical
significance of an association was declared at P-value < 0.05 in the multi-variable
analysis and odds ratio was used to show the strength of the association.
Results: Among the respondents, 69(16.6%) and 23(5.5%) reported suicidal ideation
and attempt in the past 12 months respectively. Being divorced (AOR=2.97, (95%CI,
1.22, 7.22), having depression (AOR=2.67, (95%CI, 1.34, 5.32), the first 18 months
since diagnosed cancer (AOR=2.57, (95%CI, 1.15, 5.75), severe pain (AOR=3.27,
(95%CI, 1.18, 9.04) and stage IV cancer (AOR =3.35, (95%CI, 1.26, 9.04) were
significantly associated with suicidal Ideation. female sex (AOR=5.32, (95%CI, 1.39,
20.25), having depression (AOR=4.8, (95%CI, 1.23, 18), advanced stage of cancer
(AOR=6.76, (95%CL, 1.2, 37) and current alcohol use (AOR=3.51, (95%CI, 1.26, 9.77)
were significantly associated with suicidal attempt.
Conclusion: Suicidal ideation and attempt are prevalent among peoples living with
cancer. Health care providers should give more attention to high suicidal risk individuals
in the oncology unit