Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40640971›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2025

Suicidal behaviours among adults living with cancer in Ghana: prevalence and associated risk factors.

Emmanuel Abu Bonsra, Boateng Justice, Mark Kwame Ananga

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC psychology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Emmanuel Abu BonsraDepartment of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana. emmanuelabubonsra14@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0002-8463-1397
Boateng JusticeDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana.
Mark Kwame AnangaDepartment of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGlobally, cancer is a complex disease that, if not detected and treated early, can lead to death. The diagnosis of cancer typically causes a profound crisis in the lives of those affected, leading to psychological challenges. People living with cancer tend to exhibit suicidal behaviours due to the difficult nature of the disease.

objectiveThe primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing Suicidal behaviours among adults living with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

methodA convenience sampling method was employed to collect data from cancer patients at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency tables, percentages, and regression analysis with Stata 17, were used for data analysis.

resultsThe study found that 57.2% of participants reported suicidal ideation, 14.1% had attempted suicide, and 11.3% had planned suicide. Age, sex, educational level, income, occupational status, and marital status were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour (p-value < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression results shows that patients who experienced recent significant life changes were 15 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation (AOR: 15.0, 95% CI: 9.1-22.9, p < 0.001), twice as likely to have a suicidal plan (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1, p = 0.001), and over five times more likely to attempt suicide (AOR: 5.41, 95% CI: 2.22-6.07, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not experience significant life changes. In Addition, patients who believed they were a burden to others were over three times more likely to experience suicidal ideation (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.15-4.59, p < 0.001), five times more likely to have a suicidal plan (AOR: 5.0, 95% CI: 3.07-8.13, p < 0.001), and three times more likely to attempt suicide (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.1-5.3, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not feel this way.

conclusionThis study reveals a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among cancer patients, with many reporting suicidal ideation, attempts, and plans. Socio-demographic factors, including age, sex, educational level, income, occupational status, and marital status, were linked to higher suicide risk. To achieve SDG 3, particularly Target 3.4 (promoting mental health and well-being) and Target 3.8 (ensuring universal health coverage), the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health should integrate mental health support into routine cancer care.

Indexed as

NeoplasmsSuicidal IdeationSuicide, AttemptedAdultAgedFemaleGhanaHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrevalenceRisk FactorsSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultCancerGhanaMental healthSuicidal behaviours

Identifiers

PMID40640971
PMCPMC12247335

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.