Suicidal Ideation in Geriatric Population of Jaipur City
Abstract
Physical, Social and economical problem of geriatrics lead to disturbance in their psychological health and may lead to psychiatric disorders. This study is aimed to found out the suicidal tendencies in geriatric population of Jaipur city. For the study 990 geriatric individuals were identified by 30 cluster technique was adopted to cover whole city. Questions related to suicidal ideation were asked along with other socio-demographic variables. Collected data were analyzed as percentage and proportion and to find out the associated socio-demographic factors chi-square test was used. Suicidal Ideation was found in 6.77% of elderly and this Suicidal Ideation was found to be associated with age, education and present occupation of elderly. It was found significantly more in elderly who lost their spouses. Housing condition and personal hygiene were found to be directly proportional to suicidal ideation i.e. poorer the housing condition and personal hygiene more the chances to have suicidal ideation.
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Introduction
Suicidal ideation is thought of harming and killing oneself. The number of suicides and the prevalence of suicidal tendencies are rising faster among older men than in any other age group. National Statistics shows that the number of suicides among men aged over 55 has risen by 12%. 1 It has become a global problem specially in geriatric population i.e. aged 60 years and above. Prevalence of these elderly is expected to constitute 10.2% of the total world population whereas in India it is estimated 18.4% of the total population by the year 20252 . Persons above the age of 60 in India will increase from 76 million in 2001 to 137 million by 20213 .
Worldwide, people aged ⩾75 years are more prone to commit suicide than people in any other age bracket3 Worldwide, the number of suicides per 100 000 males aged ⩾75 years is up to twice that of males aged <25 years.4 Suicide rates in elderly (mean age 67.7) in South India, were reported to be 189/lakh with the male female ratio being 1: 0.66.105 A study in India revealed that with accurate data collection, the suicide rate was nine times that of the official rate.5 The suicide rate in India is under reported leading to difficulty in assessing risk factors, suicidal behavior and in developing preventive measures. Inefficient civil registration systems, not proper reporting of deaths, not proper standards in certifying death, legal and social consequences of suicide as attempt to suicide is still consider illegal in India; these are few reasons for under reporting.6,7
Conclusion
Suicidal tendency was found nearly in one tenth of elderly. It was found more in older age, extended or joint type of family, illiterate and who do not earn. It was also found more in those with poor housing condition and personal hygiene. It was also found more in those elderly who lost their spouses. So to reduce the prevalence of this suicidal ideation there should be proper provision of old age homes, job opportunities, recreational facilities targeting to this group. Health education programmes should be encouraged about caring and identification of suicidal ideation. So they can be identified earlier and treated accordingly. Government should also take some legal actions against defaulter belongings of elderly along with making programmes for caring geriatric group.