More than one-third of the Irish population reports experiencing long-lasting conditions or disabilities, which can significantly impact their physical health as well as their mental well-being. Chronic conditions and disabilities are increasingly recognised as critical risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Individuals living with enduring difficulties often face a complex interplay of physical, emotional, and social challenges that can heighten their risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The ongoing difficulties in managing these conditions may result in feelings of hopelessness and despair, which may lead to suicidal thoughts as a means of escaping persistent struggles. Despite the substantial impact chronic conditions and impairments have on people’s lives, research on suicide risk for this group is scarce, with very few large-scale population-level studies.
The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between long-term conditions or disabilities and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. This study will assess the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours associated with specific conditions or disabilities and explore demographic factors, such as age and gender, to gain a deeper understanding of how these variables influence suicide risk.
This study will employ a quantitative, secondary data analysis of three consecutive waves of the Healthy Ireland Survey conducted from 2021 to 2023. The Healthy Ireland Survey is a cross-sectional national household survey of Irish individuals aged 15 years and older that collects data a range of variables, including long-lasting conditions or disabilities, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The findings from this research will enhance the evidence base regarding suicidal thoughts and behaviours among individuals with long-term conditions, who are recognized as priority groups in key government strategies—Connecting for Life and Sharing the Vision.