Abstract:
Suicidal ideation and attempts among patients with cancer are some of the commonest
psychiatric emergencies that need a major public health concern. In Ethiopia, large numbers of
people are affected by cancer. Therefore, assessing suicide among patients with cancer is important
in implementing further interventions. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicidal
ideation, suicidal attempts, and associated factors among patients with cancer. An institution-based
cross-sectional quantitative design was used to collect data from 228 samples-(90 male and 138
female) with cancer in a follow-up visit at the University Of Gondar Teaching Hospital from
March 25 to May 5, 2020. World Health Organization Composite International diagnostic
interview (CIDI), Patient health questionnaires PHQ 9, Oslo three social supportive scale (OSS-
3), Beck hopelessness scale (BHS) and Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire
(SCSRFQ) were used to assessing suicidal ideation and attempt, depression level, social support,
hopelessness level, and religiosity respectively. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt
among patients with cancer was 39(17.1%) and 20 (8.8 %)respectively. Being female (AOR=0.36,
95% CI= 0.16, 0.78), age45-54(AOR=0.212, 95%CI= 0.55, 0.82), chemotherapy treatment
(AOR=3.64, 95%CI, 1.43, 9.51), depression (AOR=3.36, 95%CI= 1.49, 7.75) and the first 1-6
months and 6-12 months' time of diagnosis and stage of cancer were statistically associated with
suicidal ideation. Factors like being male (AOR=3.16, 95%CI=1.20, 8.26) and depression
(AOR=2.89, 95%CI= 1.00, 8.32) were associated with suicidal attempt. Therefore, early screening
and intervention strategies for depression and social support may improve patient psychological
well-being and treatment effect on cancer.
