Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors of Chinese Rural‐to‐Urban Migrant Workers: Attitude Toward Suicide Matters

Objective To examine the attitude toward suicide ( ATS ) and its influence on nonfatal suicidal behaviors of Chinese rural‐to‐urban migrant workers ( MW s). Method Altogether, 3031 MW s completed the positive ATS Scale and structured questions regarding lifetime suicide ideation, plan, and attempt. Mental health help‐seeking behaviors of MW s were also investigated. Results Overall, MW s held a more negative ATS than the Chinese general population. The lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt was 5.5%, 1.3%, and 1.1%, respectively. After controlling for lifetime depressive disorders and other covariates, a negative ATS was still significantly associated with lower risk of lifetime suicide ideation ( OR  = 0.32), plan ( OR  = 0.22), and attempt ( OR  = 0.26). MW s with a negative ATS were more likely to talk to others and seek help by online/telephone consultation for their mental health and suicidal problems ( p  < .05). A more positive ATS was significantly associated with male gender, low education level, ethnic minority of Miao , low monthly income, and originating from western China. Conclusions The majority of MW s hold a negative ATS , which significantly contributes to their relatively low risk of nonfatal suicidal behaviors. The more help‐seeking from others and online/telephone consultation in MW s with a negative ATS may lower their risk of nonfatal suicidal behaviors.