Home Healthcare Nurses?? Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Suicide

Abstract

This study identified home healthcare nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward suicide in the elderly. Three questionnaires and a demographic data sheet were distributed to nurses who work in three community health agencies. Findings showed that subjects knew some of the signs of potential suicide. Most subjects had a middle to high degree of sympathy and empathy toward elderly persons who attempted suicide, but disagreed wit. h their suicidal actions. There was no significant relationship between knowledge of the signs of potential suicide and attitudes toward suicide in the elderly.