# Attitudes of medical professionals towards high-risk suicidal patients

## TL;DR

This study explores how medical professionals in Japan view high-risk suicidal patients and identifies factors influencing their attitudes.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct attitudes among paramedics, nurses, and social workers toward suicide in Japan.

## Key findings

- Paramedics were more likely to view suicide as unjustified and a threat compared to social workers.
- Nurses were more likely to see suicide as a threat and an impulsive act.
- Commonalities in attitudes suggest potential for collaborative suicide prevention efforts.

## Abstract

Suicide is a serious global public health challenge recognised as a high priority by the World Health Organization. Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals and first responders play a critical role in suicide prevention. This study aimed to clarify attitudes and influencing factors among paramedics, nurses, and social workers in Japan.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey between 2015 and 2022 using a self-administered paper questionnaire. The Japanese version of the Attitudes Toward Suicide scale assessed six factors using a five-point Likert scale. A linear regression model was used to analyse variations associated with age, gender, profession, and experience.

Among 685 respondents, 443 provided valid responses (paramedics: 34.8%, nurses: 38.8%, social workers: 26.4%). Paramedics were more likely than social workers to regard suicide as an unjustified act (β = 0.474, 95% CI: 0.167–0.780, P = 0.003) and as a threat (β = 0.450, 95% CI: 0.142–0.757, P = 0.004), and less likely to think suicide can happen to anyone (β = −0.640, 95% CI: −0.855–−0.425, P < 0.001). Nurses regarded suicide as a threat (β = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.134–0.653, P = 0.003) and as an impulsive act (β = 0.220, 95% CI: 0.024–0.416, P = 0.028).

Although we found differences in attitudes towards suicide between health professionals, there were also many commonalities. By holding workshops with a wide range of professionals, and deepening mutual understanding, it may be possible to implement seamless suicide prevention measures.