Abstract
BackgroundWhereas prevalence of suicidal expressions among young people is fairly similar in different countries, less is known about associated risk factors. This study compares young people in Nicaragua and Cambodia to examine if the pattern of association between mental health problems and suicidal expressions differs.Methods368 and 316 secondary school students, from each country respectively, participated. Self-reported suicidal expressions, exposure to suicidal behavior in significant others and mental health problems among the students were measured using Attitude Towards Suicide (ATTS) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR) questionnaires.ResultsPrevalence of serious suicidal expressions (plans and attempts) during recent year, did not differ between countries. Cambodian young people scored significantly higher on all eight YSR-syndromes, except for withdrawn/depressed. In Nicaragua, all YSR-syndromes were significantly associated with serious suicidal expressions in both genders compared to Cambodia where only one syndrome showed an association in each gender; Withdrawn/depressed among girls and Somatic complaints among boys. Associations between being exposed to suicide among significant others and serious suicidal expressions also differed between Cambodia and Nicaragua.ConclusionsWhile the magnitude of serious suicidal expressions is similar between these structurally similar but culturally different countries, determinants behave differently. Qualitative studies are warranted to further explore cultural specific determinants for suicidal expressions among young people.
Highlights
Whereas prevalence of suicidal expressions among young people is fairly similar in different countries, less is known about associated risk factors
A review of population based studies estimated that a mean proportion of 9.7% of adolescents report a life-time suicide attempt [1]
Even though not all attempts are motivated by a wish to die the attempt still represents the strongest single risk factor for a suicide and by its own is a strong indicator of severe mental distress [2,3]
Summary
Whereas prevalence of suicidal expressions among young people is fairly similar in different countries, less is known about associated risk factors. This study compares young people in Nicaragua and Cambodia to examine if the pattern of association between mental health problems and suicidal expressions differs. Understanding suicide attempts and other related suicidal expressions is essential to improve mental health and to prevent suicide among young people. A review of population based studies estimated that a mean proportion of 9.7% of adolescents report a life-time suicide attempt [1]. Even though not all attempts are motivated by a wish to die the attempt still represents the strongest single risk factor for a suicide and by its own is a strong indicator of severe mental distress [2,3]
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