Association between public perception of suicide and suicidal ideation by youth in Kazakhstan

Abstract Background Of all the post-Soviet Asian republics, Kazakhstan is experiencing relatively the fastest economic growth and modernization. According to E. Durkheim, this is probably the hypothetical explanation for why the number of suicides in the country is growing, including among youth. The country's government has adopted a prevention program. The influence of social factors on the prevalence of suicidal behavior must be studied more closely. Health policies and interventions must be data-based. Methods A survey study that covers all geographical regions, population - individuals aged 18 to 40 years. Sample - 1200 respondents. The public perception of suicide is measure by 19 items and 5-scales. It is an independent variable. Dependent variable - suicide ideation. It is measure by 7 items, 2 subscales.. All compiled scales meet high requirements for factor validation and reliability. Theoretical discourse and empirical findings in the field were reflected, but all scales were created in a new way, considering the cultural specificities of the country. Results The regression yielded certain statistical regularities: R = 0.36; R2=0.135; p ≤ 0.000. The beta coefficients are listed in descending order of weighting: Heroization of Suicides and Werther syndrome: β = 0.25; p ≥ 0.000. Science-based, humanistic attitudes: β=-0.17; p ≥ 0.000. Germination with psychiatric help: β = 0.10; p ≥ 0.000. Stigmatization and fatalism: β=-0.08; p ≥ 0.000. Refusal of euthanasia: β=-0.08; p ≥ 0.000. Conclusions Suicide public perception systematically influences suicidal ideation. Formation of adequate attitudes, responsible position of the media in publicizing suicide cases, as well as education, prevention, and intervention programs to change attitudes, are likely to reduce suicidal ideation. Key messages • Years have passed since the discovery of the “Werther phenomenon” (1774) and the publication of Durkheim’s “Suicide” (1897), but both discoveries can still be found in modern society today. • Unexpected results on stigmatization were obtained, which are probably related to the cultural context and require further study.