Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation Among Elderly in Rural Areas: A Focus on Logistic Analysis

This study aims to analyze the major factors influencing suicidal ideation among elderly individuals residing in rural areas of Chungcheongnam-do, and to propose practical intervention strategies for suicide prevention. For this purpose, raw data from the 『2023 Chungcheongnam-do Social Survey』 were utilized, and elderly respondents living in rural areas were extracted for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant factors affecting suicidal ideation. The key findings of the study are as follows. First, elderly individuals with religious affiliations reported higher levels of suicidal ideation. Second, happiness and depression were found to be significant predictors of suicidal ideation. Specifically, an increase in happiness was associated with a decrease in suicidal ideation, whereas severe depressive symptoms were linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts. Third, economic difficulties, particularly challenges in maintaining a stable livelihood, were closely correlated with suicidal ideation. Lastly, social characteristics also played a crucial role in suicidal ideation, with anxiety about social safety and difficulties in transportation being identified as major contributing factors. Based on these findings, comprehensive suicide prevention and intervention strategies were discussed to reduce suicide rates among the elderly population.