Attitudes towards those bereaved by a suicide: a population-based, cross-sectional study in rural Japan
2008

Attitudes Towards Suicide Bereavement in Rural Japan

Sample size: 5154 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Minamizono Sachiko, Motohashi Yutaka, Yamaji Masako, Kaneko Yoshihiro

Primary Institution: Akita University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

What factors contribute to attitudes towards individuals bereaved by suicide?

Conclusion

Undetermined attitudes towards those bereaved by suicide are linked to male gender, younger age, lower education, greater severity of depression, and lack of personal experience with suicide.

Supporting Evidence

  • 67.5% of respondents showed appropriate attitudes towards those bereaved by suicide.
  • Undetermined attitudes were linked to male gender and lower education levels.
  • 16.0% of respondents had passive thoughts about suicide prevention.

Takeaway

This study found that many people in rural Japan have mixed feelings about those who have lost someone to suicide, and younger men with less education are more likely to be unsure or negative about how to support them.

Methodology

A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to residents aged 30-69 in a rural town, collecting data on demographics, depressive symptoms, and attitudes towards suicide bereavement.

Potential Biases

Potential reporting bias due to self-administered questionnaires.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and self-reported data may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Residents aged 30-69 from a rural town in Japan, with a response rate of 84.9%.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95%CI = 1.26–1.61

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-334

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