Background: Although approximately 79% of the world’s suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the limited research in these regions has primarily focused on the rates of suicide attempts (SA) and ideation among men and younger members of the population. Aim: This study investigated the associations between bodily pain, functional limitation, chronic health conditions, and suicidal ideation among older Ghanaian women with a positive screen for depression. Methods: Data was obtained from the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 1, a nationally representative sample. Based on the interpersonal theory of suicide, we used logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between the variables. Results: Functional limitation, bodily pain, hopelessness, and hypertension were significantly associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation after accounting for sociodemographic and other confounding factors. Conclusions: Early interventions designed to decrease hopelessness, hypertension, and functional limitations may lead to reduced suicide ideation among older Ghanaian women who screen positive for depression.

Approximately nine families lose a loved one to suicide each day in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021), and hundreds more are impacted (Cerel et al., 2019). At the forefront of suicide prevention efforts is Lifeline Australia, which operates crisis support services including the national hotline, text and chat services. They receive nearly one million contacts from individuals experiencing crisis each year (Lifeline Australia, 2020). Lifeline Australia aims to provide crisis support and referral services to help-seekers to relieve immediate distress and increase coping skills