Magnitude and Associated Factors of Suicidal Ideation Among Cancer Patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia, 2019: Cross-sectional Study

Background: Suicide is a worldwide public health issue and considered as a psychiatric emergency. The majority of all completed suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. A diagnosis of cancer has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide is one of the leading causes of non-cancer-related mortality among cancer patients in recent years. Suicidal ideation is four times higher in cancer patients than in the general population. There is limited evidence on suicidal ideation on patients diagnosed with cancer in Ethiopia as well as in African countries. Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of suicide ideation among cancer patients at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used and a total of 410 of cancer patients participated in the study. Data were collected using the Suicide Manual of Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) questionnaire. Data were coded, entered into EpiData manager version 4.4 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, analytical statistical procedures, bivariable, multivariable logistic regression with odds ratio, 95% confidence interval were employed. The statistical significance was declared at P-value <0.05. Results: The finding of the present study on magnitude of suicidal ideation among cancer patients were 28.5% with 95%CI: 24.1-33.2, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis being female advanced stage, perceived stigma and anxiety was significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion and Recommendation: The magnitude of suicidal ideation among cancer patients was higher than in the general population. It also reported that, advanced stage, perceived stigma, anxiety and being female were factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation. This study gives us clues that cancer patients are prone to suicide ideation. Therefore, cancer patients need special attention to reduce these problems.

Automated summary

This study assessed the magnitude and associated factors of suicidal ideation among cancer patients in Ethiopia, with a prevalence of 28.5%. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation included being female, in advanced cancer stage, perceived stigma, and anxiety. The study highlights the need for special attention to address suicidal ideation among cancer patients.