Bayesian Estimation of the Prevalence of Suicide Risk in Institutionalized Older People

Abstract

The assessment of suicide risk in institutionalized older people has received less attention in comparison with those not institutionalized. The studies carried out show contradictory data on the prevalence of risk in this population group. The current work estimates the prevalence of suicide risk through a Bayesian analysis and studies the risk factors of this behavior in a group of 110 institutionalized older people. A prevalence of 38.4% is obtained, and an association between suicide risk and the factors depression and perception of health. The results indicate to us the necessity for actions directed at decreasing the suicide rate in geriatric homes.