Analysis of risk factors of suicidal ideation in adolescent patients with depression and construction of prediction model

BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is a common mental illness among adolescents and is the largest disease burden in this age group.Most adolescent patients with depression have suicidal ideation(SI);however,few studies have focused on the factors related to SI,and effective predictive models are lacking.AIM To construct a risk prediction model for SI in adolescent depression and provide a reference assessment tool for prevention.METHODS The data of 150 adolescent patients with depression at the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from June 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Based on whether or not they had SI,they were divided into a SI group(n=91)and a non-SI group(n=59).The general data and laboratory indices of the two groups were compared.Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing SI in adolescent patients with depression,a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on the analysis results,and internal evaluation was performed.Receiver operating characteristic and calibration curves were used to evaluate the model’s efficacy,and the clinical application value was evaluated using decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS There were differences in trauma history,triggers,serum ferritin levels(SF),highsensitivity C-reactive protein levels(hs-CRP),and high-density lipoprotein(HDLC)levels between the two groups(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that trauma history,predisposing factors,SF,hs-CRP,and HDL-C were factors influencing SI in adolescent patients with depression.The area under the curve of the nomogram prediction model was 0.831(95%CI:0.763–0.899),sensitivity was 0.912,and specificity was 0.678.The higher net benefit of the DCA and the average absolute error of the calibration curve were 0.043,indicating that the model had a good fit.CONCLUSION The nomogram prediction model based on trauma history,triggers,ferritin,serum hs-CRP,and HDL-C levels can effectively predict the risk of SI in adolescent patients with depression.

Depression and Suicidal Risk in HIV-Infected Adults at Brazzaville University Hospital: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Highly active antiretroviral tritherapies have improved the quality of life of people living with HIV (PVVIH) and extended their life expectancy. However, the nervous system is faced with a neurotropic virus that evolves chronically, sometimes creating neurological disorders directly or indirectly linked to stigmatization or therapeutic effects. Objective: to determine the prevalence of depression associated with suicidal risk (SR) and identify associated factors. Patients and method: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study from January 1 to November 30, 2022, including all HIV-positive patients receiving or not receiving antiretroviral therapy. The study took place in the infectious diseases department of Brazzaville University Hospital. This department has an inpatient capacity of 36 beds, and an outpatient capacity of 25 patients per day, three times a week. This is the largest center for PVVIH in Brazzaville. The Patient Heath Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the degree of depression and suicidal risk. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Qualitative variables were expressed as numbers and percentages, and quantitative variables as means and standard deviations. Statistical tests were used according to their applicability criteria. For all tests, the significance threshold was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 150 patients were consulted, constituting the sample size. The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was 32%. These patients had an average age of 42.83 ± 10.24 years, were female (n = 101;67.3%), Christian (n = 97;64%), single (n = 68;45.3%). Stigmatization (n = 75;50%) was the reason for attempted suicide. HIV was perceived as treatable (n = 103;68.7%), unlucky (n = 62;41.3%). Patients were WHO stage 1 (n = 105;70%). RS was present in 47 cases (31.3%). Factors associated with depression and suicidal risk were age (p = 0.000), residence (p = 0.028), suicide attempt (p = 0.000), desire to procreate (p = 0.000) and ARV (antiretrovirals) side effects (p Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal risk was high, in line with stigma and socio-economic conditions. The associated factors were in line with those identified in the literature. Mental health needs to be integrated into the overall care of people living with HIV.

Suicidal Behaviours in Sickle Cell Patients at the Douala Sickle Cell Care Centre in Cameroon

Introduction: Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary disease that combines physical and psychological manifestations, including suicidal tendencies. So far, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on suicidal behaviours among people with sickle cell disease in Cameroon. This is what justifies our study on the prevalence and factors related to suicidal behaviors in our study population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study of 171 sickle cell patients aged from 12 years upwards who came to the sickle cell disease care service of the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, over a period of 6 months, that is, from 1 January to 31 June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with questions on suicidal behaviours based on the “MINI” (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). The data were processed using the SPSS 26.0 software. The related factors were studied in both a bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Female sickle cell patients accounted for 60.2% of the sample. The mean age was 23.36 ± 8.42 years. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 56% of cases and 13% attempted suicide. The factors most associated with suicidal ideation were: primary level of education (OR = 0.08 (0.09 - 0.79);p = 0.03), feeling unworthy of life (OR = 0.40 (0.08 - 1.96);p = 0.02), not often being considered by those around them (OR = 2.97 (1.26 - 6.99);p = 0.01), lack of family support (OR = 0.34 (0.15 - 0.77);p = 0.01). Meanwhile, the factors associated with suicide attempts were: the fact of being rarely exposed to suicide-related media (OR = 4.17 (1.40 - 71.80);p = 0.03), and a constant feeling of sadness when returning home (OR = 18.02 (1.59 - 20.55);p = 0.01). Conclusion: More than half of sickle cell patients had had suicidal thoughts and 1/6 had made at least one suicide attempt, women and young adults being the most concerned. It is therefore necessary to ensure optimum psychological care for patients with sickle cell disease.

Predicting Users’ Latent Suicidal Risk in Social Media: An Ensemble Model Based on Social Network Relationships

Suicide has become a critical concern,necessitating the development of effective preventative strategies.Social media platforms offer a valuable resource for identifying signs of suicidal ideation.Despite progress in detecting suicidal ideation on social media,accurately identifying individuals who express suicidal thoughts less openly or infrequently poses a significant challenge.To tackle this,we have developed a dataset focused on Chinese suicide narratives from Weibo’s Tree Hole feature and introduced an ensemble model named Text Convolutional Neural Network based on Social Network relationships(TCNN-SN).This model enhances predictive performance by leveraging social network relationship features and applying correction factors within a weighted linear fusion framework.It is specifically designed to identify key individuals who can help uncover hidden suicidal users and clusters.Our model,assessed using the bespoke dataset and benchmarked against alternative classification approaches,demonstrates superior accuracy,F1-score and AUC metrics,achieving 88.57%,88.75%and 94.25%,respectively,outperforming traditional TextCNN models by 12.18%,10.84%and 10.85%.We assert that our methodology offers a significant advancement in the predictive identification of individuals at risk,thereby contributing to the prevention and reduction of suicide incidences.

Depression and Suicidal Ideations among Older Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Mbarara City, Southwest Uganda

Background: Due to the increase in longevity and use of antiretroviral treatment, Uganda has had a growing population of older persons living with HIV/AIDS. However, there is a paucity of information on the mental health of the elderly living with HIV/AIDS. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the prevalence of, and associated factors for depression and suicidal ideation among older persons living with HIV/AIDS in Mbarara city, southwest Uganda. Methods: Older persons (150 females, 115 males), with mean age = 64.2 (±5.1) years, accessing health services from three purposively selected HIV/AIDS care centers in Mbarara city, southwest Uganda were recruited. Data on depression and suicidal ideation were collected using a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) validated in Uganda, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Results: Approximately 8.3% and 12.1% had depression and suicidal ideation, respectively. The factors associated with lowering the likelihood of depression were: an increase in the number of family members they stayed with and having no having any problems with their ARVs. On the other hand, earning more than 100,000 Uganda shillings was associated with reducing the risk of suicidal ideations among the participants. Conclusion: Approximately 8 to 12 in 100 older persons living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda have experienced depression or suicidal ideation. Family support and financial control were instrumental factors associated with depression and suicidal ideations, respectively. We recommended strengthening family structures and creating more avenues for financial independence among older persons living with HIV/AIDS to reduce the burden of depression, and suicidal behaviours among this vulnerable population.

An Evaluation of Suicidality and Its Predictors in Police Officers in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: The many dangers and stressors associated with police work often place police officers at a great risk of a variety of mental health morbidity, including suicidality. The causation of suicidality is multi-dimensional, however, there are insufficient studies which have examined the burden and risk factors of suicidality in Nigerian police officers. Objective: To determine the prevalence and predictors of suicidality among police officers in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 600 police officers who were selected using a non-probability sampling method. Questionnaires used were: Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of suicidality was 14%, and the predictors of suicidality were: state anxiety (p 0.001), trait anxiety (p 0.001), substance use (p = 0.03), being unmarried (p = 0.03), and female gender (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Suicidality is prevalent among Nigerian police officers, with a higher risk in those who are vulnerable. The creation of government policies and infrastructure which promote mental health in police officers is necessary.

Depression and Suicidal Ideations among Prisoners of the Douala Central Prison

Introduction: The prison environment is a conducive environment for the development of psychiatric pathologies such as depression and suicidal ideation. To date, no related study has been conducted in Douala, Cameroon. We have therefore undertaken to study the prevalence of these pathologies and their related factors among inmates of the Douala Central Prison. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 309 prisoners over a 6-month period from 1 January to 31 June 2022. This involved prisoners aged 18 years and over, who were consenting and able to read and write. Data were collected during individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. Depression was assessed by the BECK Short Form Depression Inventory and suicidal ideation was assessed by the MINI. These data were processed using the SPSS version 25.0 software. The related factors were studied in bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Most of the prisoners were male (97%), and more than half knew their criminal status. The prevalence of depression was 33.7% and that of suicide ideation was 22.7%. Among the factors associated with depression were receiving social visits and suicidal ideation. A history of physical/psychological abuse, repeated offences and prison violence were protective factors. Factors associated with suicidal ideation were the absence of social visits, physical abuse in childhood, smoking in prison and depression. Suicidal ideation was independently associated with depression as well as depression being independently associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: About 1/3 of the prisoners had depression and almost 1/4 had suicidal ideations. As a result of this and the related factors, there is a need to reorganize psychiatric care within our prison context.

Evaluation of Suicidal Risk in Sickle Cell Patients Monitored at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center in Cotonou in 2022

Introduction: According to the WHO, suicide is a real public health problem worldwide, and several risk factors have been identified, including pain and chronic illness. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the suicidal risk in sickle-cell patients. Method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of sickle-cell patients followed up at the University Clinic of Blood Diseases of Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center from August 2022 to November 2022. The instrument used was the Ducher suicide risk self-assessment scale. Results: A total of 65 patients were included. Mean age was 27.04 ± 1.95 years, with extremes of 16 and 50 years, and a peak of 47.69% in the 20 - 30 age group. Women predominated (58.46%), with a sex ratio of 0.71. Somatic complaints accounted for 41.54% of patients’ visits, including 21.54% for pain. Suicidal risk was positive in 44.62%, including 13.85% for severe suicidal risk, and 20% attributed their desire to die to pain. The factor associated with positive suicidal risk was single parenthood (p = 0.02). Of those with a positive suicidal risk, 46% had shared the intention with close relatives (family and friends), but none had used medical services. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the high prevalence of suicidal risk among people with sickle cell disease, and therefore the need for psychosocial intervention in this specific population in Benin.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

Prevalence of Suicidal Risk in the General Population in Parakou (Benin) in 2022

Introduction: Every year worldwide, the WHO estimates that nearly one million people take their own lives, the equivalent of one suicide occurring every 40 seconds, despite the fact that this harm is preventable. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the risk of suicide in the general population in the commune of Parakou in 2022. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. Sampling was probabilistic, using the WHO cluster sampling technique. Results: A total of 582 subjects were surveyed, of whom 99 (17.01%) were at risk of suicide (low (7.6%), moderate (5.7%) and high (3.8%)). Evaluation of suicidal behaviors revealed suicidal ideation (15.12%), suicidal planning (4.46%), suicide attempts (3.78%) and suicidal equivalents (6.90%). After multivariate analysis, the following were statically associated with suicidal risk: wet nurse status of less than one month (p = 0.003), family history of suicide attempt (p = 0.004), lack of affection from parents or guardians (p = 0.044), poor relationship with partner (p = 0.033) and depression (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Approximately one person in five is at risk of suicide at the end of this study. There is every interest to implement effective preventive measures at national level.

On the role of impulsivity and decision-making in suicidal behavior

Suicide risk constitutes a complex set of interacting demographic, clinical, psychobiological and environmental variables. Impulsivity is a long-known risk factor for suicide attempts. However, research based on clearer conceptual refinement in this area is imperative. One emerging field of study is that of decision-making. Impulsivity involves a failure of higher-order control, including decision-making. Using standardized operational definitions that take into consideration relevant aspects of impulsivity, including state- and trait-components and a deeper understanding of the process of decision-making in the suicidal mind, we may come a step closer to understanding suicidality and winning the fight in this scourge of human suffering.

Suicidal Ideation among Depressed People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, West Africa

Objective: Transient suicide thoughts are common to some people throughout the course of HIV disease and often do not indicate significant risk of suicide. However, persistent suicidal thoughts with associated feelings of hopelessness and intent to die are very serious and must be assessed promptly and carefully. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the relationship between depression, hopelessness, psychosocial stressors and suicidal ideation in PLWHAs. Methods: This was a hospital based, cross sectional, descriptive study, of one hundred and seventy depressed adult HIV/AIDS patients of Kwara State Specialist Hospital, Ilorin. Depression and suicidal assessment were evaluated using the PHQ-9 scale. A score of >9 or any affirmative response to question 9 of the PHQ-9 scale necessitated suicidal risk assessment. The social determinant questionnaire was used to evaluate social cohesion and negative life events. Results: The prevalence of depression among the HIV/AID patient was 56.7%. Twenty nine (17.1%) were hopeless, twenty eight (16.5%) had at one time or the other thought of taking their lives, six (3.5%) had plan to take their lives. There was strong statistical association between depression, hopelessness (p-value = 0.000) thought of taking life (p-value = 0.000) and plan to take their lives (p-value = 0.030). Conclusion: The significant correlations between hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation are important markers that should alert clinicians to underlying suicide risk in HIV-positive patients. In addition, low social cohesion and stressful life events were found to be risk factors for depression and suicide. Clinicians should routinely enquire about suicidality in PLWHAs to assist early diagnosis and intervention.

Effects of Stress, Depression, and Problem Drinking on Suicidal Ideation among Korean Workers

The mental health of workers is an important issue that affects not only individuals and their families but also workplaces and communities.Therefore,it is necessary to regularly evaluate and analyze workers’mental health status,including levels of stress,depression,and addictive behaviors to apply thesefindings in creating mental health promotion programs.This study aims to provide basic data that would facilitate early intervention for workers’mental health problems by analyzing factors such as stress,depression,and problem drinking that can affect suicidal ideation.From April 15 to October 25,2019,a survey was conducted with 165 workers across six workplaces in a Korean city.Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics,correlation,and simple and multiple regression analyses using the R statistics program 4.0.3.There was no difference in suicidal ideation scores based on the participants’general characteristics,while there was a significant positive correlation among stress,depression,problem drinking,and suicidal ideation.In addition,severe depression,severe stress,and severe problem drinking had significant effects on suicidal ideation,and among the subitems of stress,somatic symptoms had an effect on suicidal ideation.In addition,severe stress,somatic symptoms,depression,and severe problem drinking had a significant effect on suicidal ideation in males but not in females.It is necessary to identify the effects of stress,depression,drinking problems,and suicide on workers’mental health,and evaluate their mental health systemati-cally and regularly to recognize whether active psychiatric treatment and nursing intervention are necessary as well as preventive management.In addition,it is meaningful to pay attention to the suicide ideation of adult workers and provide basic data to promote systematic public health policies on mental health.

Self-Efficacy as a Suicidal Ideation Predictor: A Population Cohort Study in Rural Japan

Background: Self-efficacy has been widely studied in suicide, both in its causality and treatment effects. However, the evidence of causality is still ambiguous and there is a lack of generalizability. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and suicidal ideation through a population cohort study. Methods: The community-based household survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in a rural area of Japan, Happo Town, in Akita Prefecture with community residents aged 30 and over at two respective time points by local health volunteers. The baseline survey was conducted in 2010 with a response rate of 88.9% (n = 6044). Among them, 3812 residents met the inclusion criteria for the follow-up survey in 2012 where the response rate was 75.3% (n = 2869). Exposure variables to suicidal ideation included demographic details, depression and self-efficacy. The Institutional Review Board and the Ethics Committee of Akita University approved the study protocol and all subjects signed informed consent. Results: A total number of 2105 participants (76.4%) without suicidal ideation in the baseline study were enrolled into the follow-up study, and 8.2% of them had developed suicidal ideation. These participants with suicidal ideation were significantly less likely to be married/cohabitant;they had worse subjective health, poorer self-perceived economic status, stronger depressive mood, and lower self-efficacy scores. The odds ratio of the self-efficacy scores at follow-up survey for participants who had developed suicidal ideation were about 2 times lower than at baseline (95% confidence interval = 1. 53 - 3.06). After adjusting for all confounding factors, the association was still significant (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.15 - 2.42). Conclusion: This result suggests that suicidal ideation may be prevented by increasing self-efficacy. We suggest that self-efficacy can be an effective tool for identifying people with suicidal ideation, and increasing self-efficacy can be strategically beneficial for larger suicide prevention.

Non-Violent Communication and Its Impact on Suicidal Ideations and Coping with Stress Styles

One of the important dimensions of violence is suicide, or violence directed toward self that many people suffer from nowadays. In the meantime, adolescents and especially girls are more likely to be harmed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of group training with non-violent communication (NVC) method on suicidal ideations and coping with stress styles of adolescent girls. The target community in this research was availably selected from the charity centers of Tehran suburbs. In this study, 15 adolescent girls were in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. The criteria for entering the research were students aged 11 to 19 years and the vulnerable socio-economic income. Eight training sessions of NVC were presented for the experimental group in the pre-test and post-test intervals, while no intervention was performed for the control group. Data collection instruments were Beck’s scale for suicidal ideation (BDI) and Endler & Parker’s coping inventory for stressful situations (CISS). After statistical analysis, the effectiveness of this training was investigated on dependent variables by multivariate analysis of covariance. Eventually, the results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). The finding of the study showed that NVC training can reduce suicidal ideations in adolescent girls who are socially and economically vulnerable. According to the findings, non-violent communication training has a higher effect on emotion-focused coping style compared to other stress coping styles.

The effects of slight atmospheric pressure fluctuations on the occurrence of emergency transport due to suicidal injuries

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a relation exists between slight atmospheric pressure fluctuations (APF) in the far infrasound frequency range and daily number of emergency transport events due to suicidal injuries (EESU). The regression models to compare groups were used to assess the relation of EESU to the mean daily amplitude of APF (APF-A) and to the ratio of APF amplitude averaged over the daytime to the APF amplitude averaged over the nighttime (Rdn). To eliminate the confounding effects of basic meteorological parameters and annual trend in EESU, the non- parametric smoothing method was used in a stepwise manner. The low APF-A (95% CI = 1.06- 1.16 Pa) compared to their common middle levels and the high (95% CI = 3.18-3.64 Pa), as well the low Rdn (СI = 0.83-0.92) and very high Rdn (CI = 3.05-3.77) compared to their more closed to common regular values (СI = 1.69-1.90) turned out to be more beneficial factors promoting the decrease in the incidence of EESU. We suppose that more attention needs to be paid to the meteorotropic effects of APF on certain kinds of psychopathology resulting in suicidal behaviour, and further investigations in different geograph- ical and climatic conditions, especially in those with more intense atmospheric perturbations, are necessary.

Promoting Time-Efficient Care for Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department

Patients who present to an emergency department are in a vulnerable state of mind. The population in the emergency department is continuously growing. Acute stages of mental health problems can bring patients to the emergency department for care. Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, living alone, depression, hopelessness, previous suicide attempts, self-devaluation, agitation, and insomnia are some risk factors that predispose individuals to suicide. Suicidal patients’ care in the emergency department can be challenging for healthcare professionals due to the complex environment and numerous other emergencies occurring altogether. Suicidal patients do not get the timely medical attention they need from clinicians. As a result, there are little information and few protocols in emergency departments about the correlation of the timely care and how it can affect the patients during the emergency department visit.

Associations among depression, suicidal behavior, and quality of life in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

AIM: To investigate the potential associations among major depression, quality of life, and suicidal behavior in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) patients. METHODS: A detailed MEDLINE search was carried out to identify all articles and book chapters in English published from January 1995 to January 2015. RESULTS: Based on the main findings, the prevalence of major depressive disorder(MDD) ranged from 14.0% to 27.2%. Furthermore, the prevalence of suicidal ideation varied from 13.6% to 31.0% whereas, attempted suicides were reported to range from 3.9% to 32.7%. Interestingly, various associated risk factors for both depression and suicide were identified in HIV patients. Finally, consistent associations were reported among MDD, suicidal ideation, and poor quality of life in individuals living with HIV. CONCLUSION: Although additional studies are needed to elucidate this complex association, our results suggest the importance of early detection of both MDD and suicidality in patients living with HIV.

Managing suicidal patients in clinical practice

The clinical management of suicidal patients can be very challenging. This paper guides the reader through the basic steps in assessing a subject and deciding the type of treatment to provide. Characteristics of main psychiatric pathologies associated with suicidality are described, with attention to the peculiarities that specific associations may frequently entail.

Proposed Scales for Measuring Suicidal Ideation in Adult Cancer Patients

Suicidal ideation, which can occur in oncology patients, is associated with suffering and a reduced quality of life. Empirical studies indicate that the incidence of suicide in people with cancer is approximately twice that of the general population. Objective: This cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to establish the prevalence of suicidal ideation in adult oncology patients based on a combination of scales to measure this variable. Method: A battery of three instruments (Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Item 9 of Beck’s Depression Inventory, and a semi-structured interview) was used to make estimates that are not based on just one test and can thus make a comprehensive evaluation of suicidal ideation in the study sample. Four approximations, based on different items from suicidal ideation assessment scales, were developed to determine the most sensitive combination for identifying the presence of suicidal ideation in adult cancer patients. Results: The highest prevalence of suicidal ideation found with the proposed scales was 24.5% (CI = 16%-33%) with Scale 1;23.6% (CI = 15.2%-32%) with Scale 2;and 19.1% (CI = 11.3%-26.9%) with Scale 4. The lowest prevalence of suicidal ideation was 17.3% (CI = 9.8%-24.8%) with Scale 3. Conclusions: Suicidal behavior in the oncology patient should be assessed;however, there is a need to select sensitive instruments that can be applied easily and are suitable for the target group, which faces difficulties in participating in extensive evaluations.