Knowledge and attitudes of nurses, nursing students and psychiatric social workers concerning current suicide-related issues in Japan

Authors: Kawanishi, Chiaki; Sato, Ryoko; Yamada, Tomoki; Ikeda, Haruka; Suda, Akira; Hirayasu, Yoshio

Source: Primary Care Mental Health, Volume 4, Number 4, December 2006 , pp. 285-292(8)

Publisher: Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.

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Abstract:

Aims Education of those involved in general and psychosocial patient care can contribute greatly to suicide prevention. We administered a questionnaire to psychiatric nurses, psychiatric social workers and nursing students to examine their knowledge about the current situation relating to suicide in Japan, and their attitudes toward suicide victims. Countermeasures against suicide are urgently needed in Japan where a high suicide rate has been observed.

Method Seventy psychiatric nurses, 47 psychiatric social workers and 116 nursing students participated in the study. The questionnaire developed by the authors included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Responses to questions were compared between subject groups including medical students who had been questioned previously.

Results Overall, participants showed insufficient knowledge about suicide including the current increase in Japan. Risk factors for suicide were not correctly identified, and responses overrated economic problems. Regarding attitudes, we observed resignation, unconcern or criticism in the responses of 19.1-30.2% of participants.

Conclusions All physicians and others involved in direct patient care are in a position to act as gatekeepers for suicide prevention interventions. The present study confirmed the necessity of educating these students and workers about characteristics of suicide and its victims.

Keywords: EDUCATION; SUICIDE PREVENTION

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-12-01

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