An exploration of suicidal ideation and attempts, and care use and unmet need among suicide-ideators in a Belgian population study

Abstract

Background Suicidal ideation, or thinking about death and suicide, is common across all layers of society. The aim of this paper is to add to the understanding of suicidal ideation in the general population, as well as help-seeking behaviors and perceived unmet mental health needs among those who report suicidal thoughts. Methods The research is part of a representative population-based survey study of mental wellbeing in Antwerp (Flanders, Belgium) carried out in 2021. A total of 1202 participants between 15 and 80 years old answered the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ), and an additional question about suicide plans. Participation was by invitation only and possible online or via a postal paper questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between both current suicidal ideation and self-reported lifetime suicide attempt with the sociodemographic factors age, gender, educational level, origin and financial distress. Moreover, formal care use for mental health was examined among those experiencing suicidal ideation, and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associated sociodemographic factors. Finally, perceived unmet mental health needs were assessed among suicide ideators. Results The point-prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.6% and was higher among younger age groups and individuals reporting financial distress. The lifetime-prevalence of suicide attempts is 6.5% and was higher in younger people and individuals with a primary educational level and with financial distress. About half (45.6%) of those with suicidal ideation consulted a professional for mental health problems in the past twelve months. Men and those with a primary educational level were less likely to seek help. Half of suicide ideators without care use perceived some need for mental health care, and a third of suicide ideators who used care perceived the obtained help as insufficient, resulting in a population prevalence of 3.6% suicide ideators with a fully or partially perceived unmet need. Conclusions The prevalence of suicide attempts, suicidal ideation and unmet needs among suicide-ideators is high in this Belgian sample. Mental health care need perception in suicide ideators needs further investigation.

Prevalence of suicide attempt and associations with deliberate self-harm, mental health problems, drug misuse and traumatic experiences - a cross sectional survey of the Norwegian population

“…In a recent study from Belgium, the lifetime-prevalence of suicide attempts seemed to have had an increase from 2.5 % to 6.5%. Prevalence rates were higher in younger people and individuals with a primary educational level and with financial distress [ 22 ].…”

Impact of unmet health-related need on suicidal behavior in Korean adults: a retrospective nationwide cohort study

“…A recent study including 1202 Belgians aged 15–80 years demonstrated that the prevalence of unmet mental health need increased among individuals with suicidal ideation compared to those without 15 . The proportions of fully and partial unmet need for mental health for suicidal thoughts were 2.3% and 1.3% of total participants, respectively 15 .…”

The Effectivity of a School-Based Early Intervention Targeting Psychological Complaints and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents

“…Additionally, increasing rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents have been reported in numerous countries in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic [9]. Data from a Belgian sample reported suicidal ideation in the past few weeks in 15% of adolescents (aged [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] [10]. Numbers in Flanders (the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium) are comparable, with a lifetime prevalence for suicidal ideation of 22.3% for 11to 18-year-olds [11].…”

“…Although the last years brought a decreasing trend in suicide rates, Flanders has seen an increase in suicide in the 15-29-year-old female group [12]. According to a recent study from a Belgian sample, less than 50% of individuals who suffer suicidal ideation sought the help of a health professional in the past 12 months [10]. There is a trend towards earlier onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [13].…”

“…Furthermore, more severe mental health problems, including NSSI and suicidality, lead to a greater delay in seeking help [38]. For example, according to a recent study from a Belgian sample, less than 50% of individuals who suffer from suicidal ideation sought the help of a health professional in the past 12 months [10]. Some factors identified to date that promote help-seeking behavior [39] are mental health literacy [40,41] and appropriate responses to disclosure of mental health issues [42,43].…”