Citation

Sun FK, Ko CJ, Chang SL, Chiang CY. J. Nurs. Res. 2012; 20(1): 53-65.

Affiliation

1RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, I-Shou University 2RN, MSN, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology, and Doctoral Student, Department and Institute of Nursing, National Yang Ming University 3RN, BSN, Head Nurse, Acute Psychiatric Ward, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital 4RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, I-Shou University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Taiwan Nurses Association, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JNR.0b013e3182466da2

PMID

22333966

Abstract

BACKGROUND: : Care provided by the families of those who have attempted suicide affects their healing and recovery process. Data on care provided by families to suicidal individuals in different areas of Taiwan are extremely limited. PURPOSE: : This study explored care provided by families living in eastern and southern Taiwan to relatives admitted to hospitals and subsequently discharged after a suicide attempt. METHODS: : The study used a grounded theory approach. Interviews were conducted in two distinct geographical areas in 3 years and included two sample groups. Group 1 comprised suicidal participants (n = 15) and family caregivers (n = 15) in East Taiwan. Group 2 comprised suicidal participants (n = 15) and family caregivers (n = 15) in South Taiwan. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS: : The East Taiwan group was less prosperous than the South Taiwan group. Suicide attempt methods were more lethal in eastern than in southern Taiwan. Alcohol and family violence were more important factors in suicides in eastern than in southern Taiwan. Consequently, families in East Taiwan focused less on protecting the safety of suicidal family members than families in South Taiwan. Participants in East Taiwan received less support from their families than those in South Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE:: Suicidal participants in East Taiwan received less care from family caregivers than did participants in South Taiwan. However, all families require education to provide optimal care for suicidal relatives. Study results may help promote more appropriate education for clinical nursing professionals with a responsibility to care for suicidal patients.

Language: en