Violence Against Children, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behaviors: A Pooled and Country-Specific Analysis of Eight Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

PurposeThis study assessed associations between experiences of physical or sexual violence in childhood and self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and whether these associations varied by sex and perpetrator identity. MethodsWe used nationally representative data from the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys in eight LMICs (2017–2019). The analytic sample included 33,381 young men and women (ages 13–24 years). Multivariable logistic regressions with country-fixed effects were used to estimate the associations between childhood physical and sexual violence and the three outcomes. Stratified analyses were performed by country, participant's sex, and type of perpetrator (parent/caregiver, other adults, peers, and intimate partner). ResultsAbout 40% of the participants reported physical childhood violence, and 10% experienced childhood sexual violence. Childhood violence was associated with increased odds of self-harm (physical violence: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0–2.4; sexual violence: aOR: 2.7, 95%, CI: 2.3–3.0), suicidal ideation (physical: aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.7–3.3; sexual: aOR: 4.0, 95%, CI: 3.6–4.5), and suicide attempts (physical: aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 3.2–4.1; sexual: aOR: 4.9, 95%, CI: 4.3–5.7). Consistent findings were observed in country-specific analyses. The odds of all outcomes were highest among those who experienced childhood physical violence by intimate partners and childhood sexual violence by parents or caregivers. Young women who experienced childhood sexual violence had higher odds for all outcomes than young men. DiscussionViolence prevention and mental health programs for young people in LMICs should consider the types of violence experienced, the perpetrator, and the sex of the survivor.