Health professionals’ attitude toward suicidal behavior

Abstract Background Suicide and suicide attempts occupy a prominent place among diseases affecting the population due to their great impact on family, psychosocial and economy. Health professionals’ attitudes are important since their knowledge and view about suicide can significantly influence their behavior toward patients. Objective To verify the attitudes of health care professionals towards the suicidal patients. Method This is a cross-sectional study in which we applied the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire to health care professionals in the city of Barbacena, Minas Gerais. Results The majority of the sample was represented by health agents, female, age between 30 and 39 years, with average level of education. Doctors and nurses had the most positive attitudes when compared to other professionals. There were no significant differences in attitudes regarding gender and age of participants. Conclusion The results indicated that nursing technicians and health agents presented more negative attitudes when compared to doctors and nurses. This is a relevant fact and should be taken into account by the training programs. The training of professionals should contemplate cognitive skills and changes in attitudes that may favor the empathy and understanding of these behaviors.