Suicidal Ideation, Attempt and Associated Factors Among Adult Cancer Patients at Jmma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia, 2023

KUNUYA KUNNO ^1* Asmare Belete ¹ Tamrat Anbesaw ¹ Monenus Teshome² ² Shimelis Girma Kassaye ² Badiru Dawud ² Zelalem Birhan ¹

• ¹ Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
• ² Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Cancer has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviors, and suicide is one of the leading causes of non-cancer-related mortality among cancer patients in recent years. However, there is limited evidence on suicidal behaviors in patients diagnosed with cancer at Jimma University Medical Center.Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among cancer patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia, 2023.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 271 cancer patients at Jimma University Medical Center from November 1–30, 2023. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and a consecutive sampling technique was employed. Suicidal ideation and attempts were assessed by the composite International Diagnostic Interview Module. Logistic regression analysis was used to see the significance of the association between dependent and independent variables. Variables with p-value <0.25 were candidates for multivariable logistic regressions so that predictors of suicidal ideation and attempt were identified at p-value < 0.05, 95% CI at the final model. Results: This study reported 24% and 10.7% of people with cancer have suicide ideation and attempt, respectively, in the last 12 months. Being female [AOR = AOR = 5.35, 95% CI, 2.48-11.54], having anxiety [AOR = 4.09, 95% CI, 1.85-9.03], psychological distress [AOR = 4.19, 95% CI, 1.61-10.87] and stage IV cancer [AOR = 5.81, 95% CI, 1.73- 19.51)] had significant association with suicidal ideation, whereas having depression [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI, 1.05- 10.06] and anxiety [AOR = 3.50, 95% CI, 1.19-10.32] were significantly associated with suicidal attempt. Conclusion: Nearly one-quarter and one-tenth of people with cancer have had suicide ideations and attempts, respectively, in the last 12 months. Being a female, advanced cancer stage, anxiety, and psychological distress were statistically significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Anxiety and depression were statistically associated with suicidal attempts. It is better that oncologic professionals assess patient suicidal risk routinely. Consultation services need to be strengthened with psychiatric professionals in cancer treatment centers.