Abstract
Objective: To identify the biological, psychological and environmental factors of suicidal behavior among patients with Presbycusis.
Study Design: A cross-sectional correlational study.
Place and Duration: Department of Psychology, University of Gujrat and in the public hospitals of Lahore, Gujranwala and Gujrat from
1
st September 2017 to 25th February 2018.
Methodology: Total 278 elderly from 55 to 80 years were selected conveniently from four hospitals. Biological and environmental
factors were measured on a self-developed questionnaire. Suicidal Ideation Attributes scale, RS-Adult questionnaire, Loneliness Scale,
Mental Health Inventory were administered to measure suicidal ideation, rejection sensitivity, loneliness and mental health
respectively.
Results: Suicidal ideation has significant positive relationship with perceived loneliness, rejection sensitivity and presbycusis severity
(p<.001). However Psychological well-being appeared to have negative relationship with suicidal ideation (p < .05). For regression
analysis, linear regression showed significant role of biological, psychological factors (p<.001) and environmental factors (p<.05)
among the patients with presbycusis.
Conclusion: Not only hearing loss leads towards suicidal behavior but in interaction with other biological and psycho-social factors,
the risk of having suicidal behavior among the patients with presbycusis becomes twofold therefore a Bio-Psycho-Social prevention
and intervention plan should be devised.
