Association of Suicidal Ideation with Demographic, Lifestyle and Health Factors in Malaysians

East Asian Arch Psychiatry. 2018 Sep;28(3):85-94.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of suicidal ideation with demographic, lifestyle, and health factors, using data from National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS 2011) of Malaysia.

Methods: The NHMS 2011 included 10,141 respondents. Independent variables of suicidal ideation were income, age, household size, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, smoking, physical activity, and self-rated health. The risk factors of suicidal ideation were determined using logistic regression analysis.

Results: In the pooled sample, suicidal ideation was associated with age, sex, ethnicity, and self-rated health, but not associated with income, household size, education, physical activity, or smoking.

Conclusion: The likelihood of having suicidal ideation is positively associated with young adults, women, Indians, and those with poor self-rated health.

Keywords: Age groups; Health; Life style; Sex; Suicidal ideation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Malaysia
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors*
  • Suicidal Ideation*
  • Young Adult