title: Comparison study of postdischarge care provided to suicide patients by family members in East and South Taiwan.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Care provided by the families of those who have attempted suicide affects their healing and recovery process. Data on care provided by families to suicidal individuals in different areas of Taiwan are extremely limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study explored care provided by families living in eastern and southern Taiwan to relatives admitted to hospitals and subsequently discharged after a suicide attempt.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a grounded theory approach. Interviews were conducted in two distinct geographical areas in 3 years and included two sample groups. Group 1 comprised suicidal participants (n = 15) and family caregivers (n = 15) in East Taiwan. Group 2 comprised suicidal participants (n = 15) and family caregivers (n = 15) in South Taiwan. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The East Taiwan group was less prosperous than the South Taiwan group. Suicide attempt methods were more lethal in eastern than in southern Taiwan. Alcohol and family violence were more important factors in suicides in eastern than in southern Taiwan. Consequently, families in East Taiwan focused less on protecting the safety of suicidal family members than families in South Taiwan. Participants in East Taiwan received less support from their families than those in South Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Suicidal participants in East Taiwan received less care from family caregivers than did participants in South Taiwan. However, all families require education to provide optimal care for suicidal relatives. Study results may help promote more appropriate education for clinical nursing professionals with a responsibility to care for suicidal patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, I-Shou University.
authors.forename: Fan-Ko
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Chen-Ju
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Shing-Ling
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chun-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chiang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013624:Taiwan