Studies from University of Gothenburg Further Understanding of Geriatrics and Gerontology (Suicide myths and preparedness to help among staff at home care and long-term care facilities in Sweden: a quantitative questionnaire-based study).

This article focuses on a study examining suicide myth endorsement and preparedness to assist in suicidal crises among home care (HC) and long-term care facility (LTCF) staff serving adults aged 65 and older in Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden. The research found that about one-third of the 735 surveyed staff endorsed common suicide myths, such as the belief that suicide attempts are impulsive or threats are rarely acted upon, and that greater myth endorsement was associated with significantly lower self-reported preparedness to help individuals in suicidal crises. Despite four in five staff feeling prepared to intervene, one in five reported feeling unprepared, highlighting the need for targeted suicide prevention training in care settings for older adults. The study was supported by the University of Gothenburg and published in BMC Geriatrics. [Extracted from the article]