Depression and Anxiety Predict Healthcare Workers' Understanding of and Willingness to Help Suicide Attempt Patients. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siau, Ching Sin; Chan, Caryn Mei Hsien; Wee, Lei Hum; Wahab, Suzaily; Visvalingam, Uma; Chen, Won Sun; Yeoh, Seen Heng; Tee, Jing Ni; Yeap, Lena Lay Ling; Ibrahim, Norhayati
• Is Part Of: Omega. Volume 87:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 469
• Page End: 484
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: healthcare worker -- general hospital -- suicide -- psychological distress -- burnout -- self-efficacy; Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Death -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1177/00302228211021746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-2228

Abstract

We examined whether burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, lifetime suicidal ideation, self-efficacy in preventing suicide and demographic factors predicted the understanding of and willingness to help suicidal patients among hospital healthcare workers. A total of 368 healthcare workers from the major surgical and medical departments in a general hospital setting were recruited. Participants responded to the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Self-efficacy in Suicide Prevention, and Understanding Suicide Attempt Patient Scale. Those from the psychiatric department, with higher suicide prevention self-efficacy, and lower personal accomplishment indicated more understanding and helpful attitudes; doctors, depressed and anxious healthcare workers reported less understanding and helpful attitudes. Suicide prevention efforts must be conducted in tandem with equipping and supporting the healthcare workers who manage suicidal patients.