Post-stroke suicidality: risk factors and factors influencing screening people with Aphasia

Carroll, Siân (2024) Post-stroke suicidality: risk factors and factors influencing screening people with Aphasia. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Stroke is associated with increased suicidality, making it important to identify associated risk factors and ensure guidance to assess for suicidality is followed. Risk factors associated with post-stroke suicidal ideation have been reviewed, but not completed suicide. Research indicates that stroke professionals report reduced intention to screen suicidality in people with post-stroke aphasia (PwA).

Method: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize research on risk factors associated with completed suicide post-stroke. Eighty-six UK and Australian Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) working with PwA participated in a Theory of Planned Behaviour online experimental vignette study, testing if normative beliefs influence intention to screen suicidality in PwA. A mixed factorial design compared intention from random allocation to groups that read a vignette emphasizing a normative belief that either suicidality or dysphagia should be assessed.

Results: A narrative synthesis of 18 studies identified eight factors associated with post-stroke suicide (under 65-years-old; within two-years of
stroke; male; employed at time of stroke; additional health complications; shorter hospital admission; pre- and post-stroke depression, and ischaemic stroke). The experimental study found a significant difference between preand post-vignette intention to screen for suicidality, suggesting that normative beliefs have a positive impact on screening intent. Content analysis highlighted barriers to suicidality screening with PwA: competence, confidence, and role expectations, as well as facilitators: training, clear expectations, resources, and additional support.

Conclusions: More effort is needed to report as much information as possible within stroke research to gain a better understanding of the factors most associated with post-stroke suicide. The inclusion of normative beliefs increases self-report rated intention to screen for suicidality. The reasons for not screening for suicidality in PwA are multifaceted. The portfolio highlights recommendations for research and clinical care.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Nicola Veasy
Date Deposited:	07 Nov 2024 09:35
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 09:35
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97550
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item