Suicide risk among nursing professionals: A cross-sectional study in university hospitals in the far south of Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence of suicide risk and associated factors among nursing professionals in university hospitals in the far south of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with nursing professionals from two federal university hospitals who responded to an online questionnaire containing sociodemographic, economic, health and behavioral questions, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to assess suicide risk. Multivariable analysis was conducted using Poisson regression. Results: A total of 581 professionals participated, with 84.9% being female. The prevalence of suicide risk was 8.8%. The adjusted analysis showed an association of suicide risk with: smoking (PR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.09;3.53), self-reported depression (PR: 3.42; 95% CI: 2.03;5.79), history of childhood abuse/violence (PR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.37;3.85), and the desire to change professions (PR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.22;4.04). As a protective factor, family income between R$ 5,001 and R$ 13,000 (PR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.26:0.73). Conclusion: The multi-factors for suicide risk stand out, including childhood situations, lower income, mental illness, limitations and suffering in the work process, and the need for actions to support and strengthen the health of nursing professionals.