ECOLOGICAL MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT OF SUICIDE RISK: FEASIBILITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH MEMORY CONCERNS
2024

Assessing Suicide Risk in Older Adults Using Smartphone Surveys

Sample size: 27 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Loskot Taylor, Bower Emily

Primary Institution: Pacific University

Hypothesis

Can ecological momentary assessment (EMA) effectively assess suicide risk factors in older adults with memory concerns?

Conclusion

The study found that using EMA to assess suicide risk in older adults is feasible and well-received.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants completed two-thirds of the assigned surveys on average.
  • Completion rates did not vary significantly by suicide risk or cognitive decline severity.
  • Participants reported the EMA experience as easy and non-disruptive.

Takeaway

Researchers used a smartphone app to ask older adults about their feelings and thoughts on suicide, and it worked well.

Methodology

Participants completed four surveys daily for 14 days using an EMA app, followed by traditional assessments for comparison.

Limitations

The study's sample size was small and may not represent all older adults.

Participant Demographics

Participants had a mean age of 69, with 82% being female.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p > 0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1836

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