Clinical validation of the nursing diagnosis risk for suicide in the older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To clinically validate risk factors for the nursing diagnosis risk for suicide in older adults.

METHODS

Case-control study (105 older adults). The strength of the association between variables was assessed using odds ratio (OR). Risk factors were grouped into hierarchical blocks according to the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicidal Behaviour.

RESULTS

Anxiety; guilt; divorce; hostility; inability to express feelings; loss of important relationship; financial problems; apathy; low self-esteem; hopelessness; dependence and functional incapacity; unhappiness; failure; frustration; marked change in attitude and behavior; sadness; self-neglect; stockpiling medication; depression; ideation and suicidal plans; and mental disorders were associated with risk for suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

It is expected that this study will contribute to clinical nursing practice by the identification of this diagnosis in a safer and more precise manner. Descriptors: clinical judgment, nursing diagnosis, psychiatric nursing, suicide, older adult.