Household Health Survey

Using responses to a Public Health Household Health Survey, this study was the first to combine a broad spectrum of survey responses to identify potential predictors of suicidal ideation across a two week timeframe, within a non-clinical, community based population.

Demographic, socio-economic, housing and neighbourhood quality, mental health, physical health, well-being, lifestyle and social capital domains were explored.

The results of this study support previous research in that minority status, disadvantage, physical/psychological suffering, perceived lack of control, current smoking status, as well as limited coping skills all increase the risk of suicidal ideation. However, mental ill-health, in particular depression, has the greatest predictive ability. In contrast, enhanced self-esteem, social capital and empathy were found to be protective factors for suicidal ideation, the latter being a novel finding within this study.

A summary paper of this work is currently under peer review for considered publication within the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open.

List of publications:

• Mulholland, H., McIntyre, J., Haines, A. et al. (n.d.). Exploring the socio-economic & health predictors of suicidal ideation in the community. Paper submitted for publication in BMJ Open (under review).