Association between changes in family relationship status and suicidal ideation among individuals with physical disabilities.

PURPOSE: Individuals with physical disabilities are at a higher risk of suicide due to daily activity limitations and dependency on others. Family relationships are important to their mental health and well-being. This study investigated the impact of changes in the family relationship status of physically disabled individuals on suicidal ideation.

METHODS

We used data from the Disability and Life Dynamics Panel for 2018-2022. A total of 3,704 individuals were used in the analysis. Family relationships were classified into four groups: 1) good → good, 2) poor → good, 3) good → poor, and 4) poor → poor. We assessed suicidal ideation and attempts based on self-reported questionnaires. A generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the impact of changes in family relationships on suicidal ideation in people with physical disabilities.

RESULTS

Individuals with physical disabilities whose family relationships declined were 1.63 times more likely to have suicidal ideation (95% CI 1.22-2.19) compared to those with consistently good family relationship. Among the subfactors of family relationships, family problem-solving ability showed the strongest association with suicidal ideation when it deteriorated (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03-1.74). Individuals with consistently poor family relationships were 1.78 times more likely to have suicidal ideation alone (95% CI 1.33-2.38) and 2.29 times more likely to have both suicidal ideation and attempts (95% CI 0.89-5.93).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest the importance of addressing family relationships in suicide prevention strategies and mental health interventions for individuals with physical disabilities.