Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts among Substance Abuse Patients: Problem-Solving Ability and Hopelessness

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse has become a serious health issue. Ineffective problem
solving among Substance abuser can lead to hopelessness and loss of control to commit
suicide. This study was aimed to investigate the ability to solve problems and hopelessness
as predictors of suicidal thoughts among patients with drug abuse. A descriptive research
design was utilized in this study. A purposive sample of 162 patients with substance abuse
disorder was selected from El-Azazi Hospital for Mental Health in Abo-Hamad City, Sharkia
Governorate. Participants completed the Socio-demographic and clinical data sheet, Drug
Abuse Screen Test, Problem-Solving Inventory, The Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Suicide
Probability Scale. The results revealed that the majority of studied participants had suicidal
thoughts. More than one-third of them had severe level of drug abuse, mild level of
hopelessness and was unable to solve their problems. There were statistically significant
positive correlations between suicidal thought, problem solving ability, and feeling of
hopelessness. Hopelessness, drug abuse, patients' age, and monthly income were significant
predictors for suicidal probability among drug abuse patients. Therefore, it is recommended
to conduct an intervention programs for drug abuse patients to strengthen their problem
solving ability and develop adaptive coping strategies.

Keywords

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 11, Issue 4
December 2020
Pages 58-82

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