Levels of literacy of suicide in relatives of mentally disordered patients

Background and Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the literacy of suicide rates among relatives of patients with mental disorders and related factors. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 88 relatives of patients with mental disorders in the Psychiatry Polyclinics of the Ministry of Health, Edirne Sultan 1. Murat State Hospital. Data were collected using the "Questionnaire Form," and "Literacy of Suicide Scale." Results: The mean score of the Literacy of Suicide Scale for the relatives of the patients participating in the study were determined to be 10.34±3.20. The level of knowledge of relatives of patients regarding treatment/precaution was the highest at 59.4%, and the level of knowledge of symptoms was the lowest at 26.9%. The total Literacy of Suicide Scale score of relatives of patients varied according to the variables of income level, education level, and the presence of another person diagnosed with a mental illness in the family. Conclusion:The level of literacy of relatives of patients with mental disorders regarding suicide was low. It is recommended that psychiatric nurses plan training for relatives of patients with mental disorders on topics such as suicide prevention strategies, suicide symptoms, risk factors, causes, treatment, and places to receive help. Keywords:Family, mental illness, psychiatric nursing, suicide