Year: 2006 Source: American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, v.14, no.9, (September 2006), p.758-766 SIEC No: 20100772

This study examined associations between objective & subjective social support & suicide ideation in older adults receiving home healthcare services. 522 older adults, 65 years & older, were assessed. In bivariate analysis, neither objectively determined size of social network nor instrumental support was associated with suicide ideation. Lower social interaction patterns & lower perceived social support were significantly related to suicide ideation. After adjusting for potential confounders, only lower perceived support remained significantly associated with suicide ideation. Satisfaction with one’s relationships & feeling useful to family & friends were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of suicide ideation in the final multivariate logistic regression model. (53 refs.) JA