Abstract : * Abstract Title: Stigma and Literacy of Suicide in High-acuity Suicidal Patients in Two Countries with Different Cultures: A Feasibility Study * Co-authors: Majd Al-Soleiti, Michael Bostwick, Marin Veldic, Balwinder Singh * IRB approval: Two separate applications for IRB approval were submitted (1 to Mayo Clinic, and 1 to the University of Jordan) to recruit patients for the purposes of this study. * In the Works: This project is currently in the works, as data collection is expected to start this month or next month. * Learning objectives: At the end of this presentation, the participant should be able to discuss the importance of studying stigma and literacy of suicide in high-acuity settings, and distinguish results between different cultures.
* Abstract:
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the second leading cause of death among people aged 15- 29 years old. It is a complex phenomenon that is heavily influenced by beliefs, values, and the surrounding environment of the individual. Substantial number of factors have been studied and proven to contribute to suicidal behaviors and attempts. Previous research identified stigma and illiteracy as two important barriers to seeking appropriate mental health care. Previous studies have also shown that attitudes toward suicide are significantly associated with suicidal behavior and risk, and that it could be a modifiable risk factor to target in suicide prevention programs and policies. However, research on attitudes, stigma, and literacy of suicide is still lacking in various ways. Although stigma and literacy of suicide were studied among general populations and specific groups, they are not studied among acutely ill patients with suicidal distress. In addition, no studies explored the association between suicide stigma and literacy on one end, and intensity of suicidal ideation on the other end. Moreover, no cohort prospective studies were done to investigate the correlation between stigma and literacy of suicide and future suicide-specific outcomes. Also, although some studies evaluated for the cultural component in the stigma and literacy of suicide differences, more evidence is needed regarding how culture affects these factors, given the expected heavy influence of culture on suicidal behavior. This study aims at assessing the feasibility of studying the stigma and literacy of suicide among high-acuity patients who present to the emergency room (ER) or get hospitalized due to suicidal ideation or attempt, using two validated scales: Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) and Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS). This will be done in two different countries (Jordan; at Jordan University Hospital and USA; at Mayo Clinic St Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN) with different cultures and development status (developing vs developed). Furthermore, it will evaluate the feasibility of following up with these patients after 30 days to assess the correlation between baseline stigma/literacy and suicide-specific outcomes (SSO). At baseline, the study will also measure the correlation between SOSS/LOSS and intensity of suicidal ideation.
