2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part B

Background:Congestive Heart Failure is a major public health challenge and a leading cause of mortality, with suicidal ideation recognized as part of the continuum of suicidal behavior in affected individuals. Poor quality of life and depression are key risk factors, yet few studies have explored their relationship with suicidal ideation in congestive heart failure patients. The exact role of depression in this context remains controversial.

Aim:This study explores the relationship between quality of life and suicidal ideation, also investigates the mediatory role of depression in the development of suicidal ideation among patients with congestive heart failure.

Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 98 randomly selected adult outpatients at the Cardiology clinic of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Respondents were assessed with a sociodemographic questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Abbreviated World Health Organisation quality of life questionnaire, and Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation. Data were analysed using the Pearson correlation test and regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Suicidal ideation was negatively correlated with overall quality of life and health (r = -0.331; p = 0.001), physical (r = -0.503; p <0.001), psychological (r = -0.513; p <0.001), social (r = -0.437; p <0.001), and environmental (r = -0.315; p = 0.002) domains. Only overall quality of life and health (OR = 0.959; 95% CI: 0.926 – 0.994; p = 0.022) was significantly predictive of suicidal ideation.

Regression analysis revealed that a mediatory role of depression is unlikely in the development of suicidal ideation among patients with congestive heart failure.

Conclusion:Quality of life significantly influences suicidal ideation in congestive heart failure patients. Depression is a risk factor but not a mediator. Integrating routine psychological screening and supportive psychotherapy into congestive heart failure management enhances overall patient well-being.