이홍자1, 이도현2

1선문대학교 건강보건대학 간호학과, 2인디애나대학교 보건대학원

Background: Although the suicide rate in Korea is the highest in the world, only limited studies have been done
on suicide and its associated factors. In this regard, we studied a conceptual model and the relationships and
interactions of activity of daily living (ADL), social support, depression, and suicidal ideation among elderly
women in Korea.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study, subjects included 194 community-dwelling elderly women. Their
ADL, multi-dimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), depression, and suicidal ideation (SI) were
examined. The t-test, ANOVA test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, multiple regression analysis, and structural
equation modeling were utilized in data analysis.
Results: There were significant correlations between SI and economic status, social support, and depression.
Depression was correlated with not only SI but also ADL (r=0.195, P=0.006) and social support (r=-0.337,
P<0.001). Absolute fit indices demonstrated that the research model had a good model fit. There were significant
factor loading values from depression to SI (standardized estimate=0.157, P=0.023) and from social
support to SI (standardized estimate=-0.308, P<0.001). There were two indirect effects from social support to
SI and from ADL to SI. The mediating factor of these two indirect effects was depression.
Conclusions: Suicidal ideation in the elderly needs to be prevented; and more attention should be given to this
end. Social support programs encouraging family participation are greatly effective in prevention of senior citizens'
suicidal ideation.
Korean J Health Promot 2014;14(4):162-171
Keywords: Suicidal ideation, Social support, Depression, Aged