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.

Risk factors for suicidal behaviour in late-life depression:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide,with its peak of maximum incidence in later life.Depression often puts an individual at higher risk for suicidal behaviour.In turn,depression deserves particular interest in old age due to its high prevalence and dramatic impact on health and wellbeing.AIM To gather integrated evidence on the potential risk factors for suicide behaviour development in depressive older adults,and to examine the effects of depression treatment to tackle suicide behaviour in this population.METHODS A systematic review of empirical studies,published from 2000 onwards,was conducted.Suicidal behaviour was addressed considering its varying forms(i.e.,wish to die,ideation,attempt,and completed suicide).RESULTS Thirty-five papers were selected for review,comprising both clinical and epidemiological studies.Most of studies focused on suicidal ideation(60%).The studies consistently pointed out that the risk was related to depressive episode severity,psychiatric comorbidity(anxiety or substance use disorders),poorer health status,and loss of functionality.Reduced social support and loneliness were also associated with suicide behaviour in depressive older adults.Finally,the intervention studies showed that suicidal behaviour was a robust predictor of depression treatment response.Reductions in suicidal ideation were moderated by reductions in risk factors for suicide symptoms.CONCLUSION To sum up,common and age-specific risk factors seem to be involved in suicide development in depressive older adults.A major effort should be made to tackle this serious public health concern so as to promote older people to age healthily and well.