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Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicide Stigma in Australia: Baseline Cross-Sectional Survey Findings from the Life-Span Suicide Prevention Trial Studies

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  • Lisa N. Sharwood

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia
    John Walsh Centre, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney 2006, Australia
    School of Engineering and Mechatronics, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney 2007, Australia)

  • Alison L. Calear

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia
    Centre for Mental Health Research, iResearch School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

  • Philip J. Batterham

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia
    Centre for Mental Health Research, iResearch School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia)

  • Michelle Torok

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia)

  • Lauren McGillivray

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia)

  • Demee Rheinberger

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia)

  • Stephanie Zeritis

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia)

  • Tuguy Esgin

    (Discipline of Exercise, Health and Performance, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
    School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth 6027, Australia)

  • Fiona Shand

    (Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2032, Australia)

Abstract

The risk of suicidal behaviour in Australia varies by age, sex, sexual preference and Indigenous status. Suicide stigma is known to affect suicide rates and help-seeking for suicidal crises. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of suicide stigma to assist in prevention efforts. We surveyed community members and individuals who had attended specific emergency departments for suicidal crisis. The respondents were part of a large-scale suicide prevention trial in New South Wales, Australia. The data collected included demographic characteristics, measures of help-seeking and suicide stigma. The linear regression analyses conducted sought to identify the factors associated with suicide stigma. The 5426 participants were predominantly female (71.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 41.7 (14.8) years, and 3.9% were Indigenous. Around one-third of participants reported a previous suicide attempt (n = 1690, 31.5%) with two-thirds (n = 3545, 65.3%) seeking help for suicidal crisis in the past year. Higher stigma scores were associated with Indigenous status (β 0.123, 95%CI 0.074–0.172), male sex (β 0.527, 95%CI 0.375–0.626) and regional residence (β 0.079, 95%CI 0.015–0.143). Lower stigma scores were associated with younger age (β −0.002, 95%CI −0.004–−0.001), mental illness (β −0.095, 95%CI −0.139 to −0.050), male bisexuality (β −0.202, 95%CI −0.351 to −0.052) and males who glorified suicide (β −0.075, 95%CI −0.119 to −0.031). These results suggested that suicide stigma differed across the community, varying significantly by sex, sexual orientation and Indigenous status. Targeted educational programs to address suicide stigma could assist in suicide prevention efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa N. Sharwood & Alison L. Calear & Philip J. Batterham & Michelle Torok & Lauren McGillivray & Demee Rheinberger & Stephanie Zeritis & Tuguy Esgin & Fiona Shand, 2023. "Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicide Stigma in Australia: Baseline Cross-Sectional Survey Findings from the Life-Span Suicide Prevention Trial Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2610-:d:1053325
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wexler, L.M. & Gone, J.P., 2012. "Culturally responsive suicide prevention in indigenous communities: Unexamined assumptions and new possibilities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(5), pages 800-806.
    2. Eliut Rivera-Segarra & Ernesto Rosario-Hernández & Paola Carminelli-Corretjer & Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali & Norka Polanco-Frontera, 2018. "Suicide Stigma among Medical Students in Puerto Rico," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-8, June.
    3. Joanne M. Dickson & Kate Cruise & Clare A. McCall & Peter J. Taylor, 2019. "A Systematic Review of the Antecedents and Prevalence of Suicide, Self-Harm and Suicide Ideation in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-26, August.
    4. Pitman, Alexandra L. & Stevenson, Fiona & Osborn, David P.J. & King, Michael B., 2018. "The stigma associated with bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths: A qualitative interview study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 121-129.
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