Proposed Scales for Measuring Suicidal Ideation in Adult Cancer Patients

Abstract

Suicidal ideation, which can occur in oncology patients, is associated with suffering and a reduced quality of life. Empirical studies indicate that the incidence of suicide in people with cancer is approximately twice that of the general population. Objective: This cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to establish the prevalence of suicidal ideation in adult oncology patients based on a combination of scales to measure this variable. Method: A battery of three instruments (Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Item 9 of Beck's Depression Inventory, and a semistructured interview) was used to make estimates that are not based on just one test and can thus make a comprehensive evaluation of suicidal ideation in the study sample. Four approximations, based on different items from suicidal ideation assessment scales, were developed to determine the most sensitive combination for identifying the presence of suicidal ideation in adult cancer patients. Results: The highest prevalence of suicidal ideation found with the proposed scales was 24.5% (CI = 16%-33%) with Scale 1; 23.6% (CI = 15.2%-32%) with Scale 2; and 19.1% (CI = 11.3%-26.9%) with Scale 4. The lowest prevalence of suicidal ideation was 17.3% (CI = 9.8%-24.8%) with Scale 3. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior in the oncology patient should be assessed; however, there is a need to select sensitive instruments that can be applied easily and are suitable for the target group, which faces difficulties in participating in extensive evaluations.

Association Between Religion and Suicidal Behaviors in Cancer Patients

“…From this point of view, individuals who reside in nations with a relatively high level of religiosity, like Colombia, have a lower level of suicide acceptability than the ones who reside in other countries, 14 these is confirmed by Leal-Hernandez et al 15 when they suggest that in Colombia most of the people has denied having suicidal ideation due to their religious beliefs and its opinion on the respect for the human life. Likewise the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has talked about the importance of considering the cultural and religious factors involved in the report of suicides since these factors influenced by the stigma of suicide may generate that the recorded information is incomplete.…”

Use of ketamine for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients: Review of current data

“…Additionally, the prevalence of completed suicide is increased in patients with cancer, particularly if they have also been diagnosed with clinical depression [20] . In patients with cancer classified as “severe”, the prevalence of suicidal ideation ranges from 19.1% to 24.5% [21] , [22] . The prevalence of suicidal ideation with a specific plan is increased in patients with cancer and contributing factors on suicidality vary by age and gender [23] , [24] .…”