Clinical Ophthalmology (Mar 2023)
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation Among Older People with Visual Impairments Attending an Eye Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Pankaew Tantirattanakulchai,1 Nuchanad Hounnaklang,1 Pear Ferreira Pongsachareonnont,2,3 Bharkbhum Khambhiphant,4 Nanda Win,1 Suchon Tepjan5 1College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; 2Center of Excellence in Retina, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; 5VOICES-Thailand Foundation, Chiang Mai, ThailandCorrespondence: Nuchanad Hounnaklang, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Institute Building 2-3, Soi Chulalongkorn 62, Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand, Tel +66 2218 8205, Fax +66 2255 6046, Email [email protected]: To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and associated factors among older people with visual impairments attending an eye center during the COVID-19 pandemic.Patients and Methods: A total of 314 older people aged 60 and above with visual impairments who attended an eye center were included in this study. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February to July, 2022. Data were collected in person. Suicidal ideation was measured using the Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between related factors and suicidal ideation.Results: Of 314 older people with visual impairments, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 32.5%. Suicidal ideation was independently associated with diabetic retinopathy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0– 5.8; p=0.038) and depression (AOR=6.3, 95% CI: 3.5– 11.2; p< 0.001).Conclusion: This study found a relatively high prevalence of suicidal ideation among older people with visual impairments. There was also a significant association between depression and suicidal ideation among these individuals. Visual impairments can lead to negative émotions. This underscores the importance of addressing the mental health needs of older individuals with visual impairments, including suicide prevention efforts tailored to their needs. Ophthalmologists should be equipped with the skills necessary to identify the early signs of suicidal ideation and refer patients to mental healthcare specialists for appropriate treatment.Keywords: older people, visual impairment, suicidal ideation, depression, COVID-19
