Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, nurses were at higher risk for suicidal ideation compared to other U.S. workers, according to a study out of the Mayo Clinic.
Elizabeth A. Kelsey, DNP, and colleagues used data from a 2017 national survey of 7,400 nurses and 5,200 general U.S. workforce members to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attitudes toward help-seeking. They found that 5.5% of nurses reported having suicidal ideation within the past year, nearly 1% higher than the general workforce sample at 4.3%.
After controlling for age, gender, hours worked per week, relationship status, and burnout, findings showed that nurses had significantly higher rates (38%) of having suicidal ideation than other workers.
While most nurses (84.2%) were willing to seek professional help for a serious emotional problem, those with suicidal ideation were less likely to than those who didn’t.
Burnout was associated with nearly threefold higher odds of suicidal ideation among nurses. Older respondents and those who were married, partnered or widowed had lower odds of suicidal ideation than younger and single respondents.
From the December 2021 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
