Citation

Chan WS, Yip PS, Wong PW, Chen EY. Arch. Suicide Res. 2007; 11(4): 327-335.

Affiliation

Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110701541905

PMID

17882620

Abstract

The suicide rate has been paralleled by an upward trend of unemployment in Hong Kong since 1997. This study aims to explore the unknown suicide-related factors among the unemployed. This information is useful in developing culturally specific suicide prevention initiatives related to unemployment. Seventy-six suicide deceased and 15 life subjects who were unemployed were selected from a previous psychological autopsy study. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the relative suicide risks among the unemployed people. Among the unemployed, the suicide deceased were more likely to be male, had suffered from psychiatric illness, and had attempted suicide before. They also had acquired less competent social problem solving skills. Comparison with a small control group creates a generalizability problem. Suicide prevention for the unemployed could be done through mental health awareness programs; problem-solving skills training for attempters and males; and vocational training and job opportunities for discharged psychiatric patients and rehabilitees.

Language: en