Abstract: Objective To estimate the prevalence and associated family factors of suicidal ideation among the elderly in rural area of Hubei province.Methods Randomly stratified cluster sampling was used in the study and face-to-face interviews were conducted among 2 025 respondents aged 60 years or above.Results Among the respondents,7.1% reported the experience of suicide ideation.The results showed that financial problem,family history of suicide,and suffering from domestic abuse(physical abuse,emotional abuse) were significant risk factors for suicidal ideation in the elderly population(P<0.05).Filial piety was a significant protective factor(P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence of suicidal ideation among the elders in rural areas of Hubei province is high and family factors contribute to the risk of suicidal ideation.