Prevalence Of Suicidal Behavior Research Articles

Assessing suicidality in adult ADHD patients: prevalence and related factors

BackgroundThe association between Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suicidality has been subject of growing interest for research in the latest years. Suicidality was generally assessed categorically and without the use of validated instruments, leading to heterogeneous or even conflicting evidence. The prevalence of both suicidal ideation and attempts varies considerably, and the associated risk factors remain unclear. Our study investigated suicidality in ADHD using a dimensional approach and a validated and internationally recognized instrument. Our primary aim was to evaluate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI), severe suicidal ideation (SSI), suicidal behavior (SB) and non suicidal self-injury behavior (NSSIB) in a sample of adult patients with ADHD. The second objective was to identify sociodemographic and clinical features associated with increased risk of suicidality in these patients.MethodsThe sample included 74 adult patients with clinical diagnosis of ADHD. Suicidality was assessed by administering the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of SI, SSI, SB and NSSIB.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of SI and SSI were 59.5% and 16.2%, respectively. The 9.5% of patients showed lifetime SB, while NSSIB was found in 10.8% of the subjects. Lifetime SI was associated with severity of inattentive symptoms during adulthood, low self-esteem and impairment in social functioning. Lifetime SSI appeared related to severity of inattentive symptoms during childhood, attentional impulsiveness and number of hospitalizations, while physical activity appeared to be protective. The prevalence of lifetime SB and NSSIB did not appear significantly related to any socio-demographic or clinical feature.ConclusionsAdults with ADHD should be considered at risk of suicide and it is important to determine which patients are at higher risk, in order to guide preventive interventions. The association between ADHD and suicidal ideation did not appear to be influenced by psychiatric comorbidities, but rather by inattention itself, which represents the core symptom of ADHD.

Prevalence and associated factors of suicide-related behaviors in Iranian students: a large sample cross-sectional study

BackgroundAdmission to the university changes life conditions and thereby increases mental pressure. If the students cannot bear the psychological pressure of being a student, that may lead to suicide among the vulnerable persons. Therefore, in this research, we would like to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of suicide-related behaviors in Iranian students.MethodsThis online, cross-sectional survey was performed from March 18 to April 15, 2023, in Iran. The questionnaires were completed by 2181 students. In this study, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3) were used. Finally, we identified the factors associated with suicide-related behaviors using univariate and multiple regression.ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal behaviors in students was 57.95%. According to the results, male gender, marriage, having meaning in life, occasional smoking, sleeping after 1 a.m., and having social support were associated with a reduced risk of suicide. In addition, a history of sexual abuse, more anxiety, and higher perceived stress were associated with an increased risk of suicide.ConclusionsThe prevalence of suicide-related behaviors in Iranian students was higher than expected. Urgent interventions should be considered to prevent students from committing suicide. Helping students find meaning in life, as well as eliminating the causes of students’ anxiety and stress, may be effective in this respect. Additionally, teaching students how to control anxiety and stress may be helpful.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on presentations with suicidal behaviour in a tertiary hospital Emergency Centre in the Eastern Cape, South Africa–A cross-sectional analysis

IntroductionSuicidal behaviour is a public health emergency, causing an estimated one million deaths globally each year. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behaviour is not fully understood. This study aimed to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on presentations with suicidal behaviour at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. MethodThis study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients with fatal and nonfatal suicidal behaviour who presented to Frere Hospital Emergency Centre in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The analysis included three study periods: August to October 2019 (pre-COVID-19), August to October 2020 (wave 1), and August to October 2021(wave 3). ResultsA total of 16 419 patients presented to the Frere Hospital Emergency Centre during the study period, with 6 204 in 2019, 4 909 in 2020, and 5 306 in 2021. These correspond to the research periods from August to October for each successive year. The overall prevalence of suicidal behaviour was 1.6 % but decreased marginally during the pandemic (1.8 % in 2019 vs. 1.4 % in 2021) – contrary to what occurred in high-income countries. The prevalence demonstrated a clinically insignificant stepwise decline as the pandemic progressed and was inversely associated with the number of daily new COVID-19 cases nationally. A significant increase in the emergency centre's total length of stay was however observed during the COVID-19 period (143 vs. 80 min, p < 0.001). The high proportion (66 %) of patients with suicidal behaviour requiring admissions increased further during the COVID-19 study period, placing an additional burden on inpatient disciplines. The proportion of social worker consultations increased significantly during the COVID-19 period (65% vs. 44 %, p<.05). ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic marginally reduced the prevalence of presentations with suicidal behaviour to the Emergency Centre, contrary to what was observed in high-income countries.

Suicidal behaviours and associated factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis (2000–2024)

IntroductionSuicidal behaviour is common among medical students, and the prevalence rates might vary across various regions. Even though various systematic reviews have been conducted to assess suicidal behaviours among medical...

Prevalence of adolescent mental disorders in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam measured by the National Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (NAMHS): a multi-national cross-sectional study

Mental disorders are the leading global cause of health burden among adolescents. However, prevalence data for mental disorders among adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries are scarce with often limited generalisability. This study aimed to generate nationally representative prevalence estimates for mental disorders in adolescents in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. As part of the National Adolescent Mental Health Surveys (NAMHS), a multinational cross-sectional study, nationally representative household surveys were conducted in Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam between March and December, 2021. Adolescents aged 10-17 years and their primary caregiver were interviewed from households selected randomly according to sampling frames specifically designed to elicit nationally representative results. Six mental disorders (social phobia, generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Version 5. Suicidal behaviours and self-harm in the past 12 months were also assessed. Prevalence in the past 12 months and past 4 weeks was calculated for each mental disorder and collectively for any mental disorder (ie, of the six mental disorders assessed). Prevalence of suicidal behaviours (ie, ideation, planning, and attempt) and self-harm in the past 12 months was calculated, along with adjusted odds ratios (aORs) to show the association with prevalence of any mental disorder in the past 12 months. Inverse probability weighting was applied to generate national estimates with corresponding 95% CIs. Final samples consisted of 5155 households (ie, adolescent and primary caregiver pairs) from Kenya, 5664 households from Indonesia, and 5996 households from Viet Nam. In Kenya, 2416 (46·9%) adolescents were male and 2739 (53·1%) were female; in Indonesia, 2803 (49·5%) adolescents were male and 2861 (50·5%) were female; and in Viet Nam, 3151 (52·5%) were male and 2845 (47·4%) were female. Prevalence of any mental disorder in the past 12 months was 12·1% (95% CI 10·9-13·5) in Kenya, 5·5% (4·3-6·9) in Indonesia, and 3·3% (2·7-4·1) in Viet Nam. Prevalence in the past 4 weeks was 9·4% (8·3-10·6) in Kenya, 4·4% (3·4-5·6) in Indonesia, and 2·7% (2·2-3·3) in Viet Nam. The prevalence of suicidal behaviours in the past 12 months was low in all three countries, with suicide ideation ranging from 1·4% in Indonesia (1·0-2·0) and Viet Nam (1·0-1·9) to 4·6% (3·9-5·3) in Kenya, suicide planning ranging from 0·4% in Indonesia (0·3-0·8) and Viet Nam (0·2-0·6) to 2·4% (1·9-2·9) in Kenya, and suicide attempts ranging from 0·2% in Indonesia (0·1-0·4) and Viet Nam (0·1-0·3) to 1·0% (0·7-1·4) in Kenya. The prevalence of self-harm in the past 12 months was also low in all three countries, ranging from 0·9% (0·6-1·3) in Indonesia to 1·2% (0·9-1·7) in Kenya. However, the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and self-harm in the past 12 months was significantly higher among those with any mental disorder in the past 12 months than those without (eg, aORs for suicidal ideation ranged from 7·1 [3·1-15·9] in Indonesia to 14·7 [7·5-28·6] in Viet Nam). NAMHS provides the first national adolescent mental disorders prevalence estimates for Kenya, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. These data can inform mental health and broader health policies in low-income and middle-income countries. The University of Queensland in America (TUQIA) through support from Pivotal Ventures, a Melinda French Gates company.

Protection and Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide in Mexican Students Majoring in Psychology

Introduction. The prevalence of suicidal behavior in university students ranges from 14.1% to 27.9%, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 29. Hopelessness, decreased self-efficacy, depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation are among the main risk factors. Objective. To determine the effect of hopelessness, depression, anxiety, stress, drug use, and self-efficacy on suicide attempts in Mexican psychology students. Method. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was undertaken with a sample of 3,438 students from sixty-two universities accredited by the National Council for Teaching and Research in Psychology (CNEIP) from six regions in Mexico. Results. A total of 19.9% reported attempted suicide (85.1% women and 14.9% men); 36.4% drug use; 40.2% moderate to extreme stress; 50.1% anxiety, and 40.7% depression; 74.1% medium to high emotional dysregulation; 30.2% moderate to high hopelessness, and 32.9% low self-efficacy. Drug use (OR 1.897), sex (OR 1.756), anxiety (OR 1.218), hopelessness (OR 1.209), depression (OR 1.756), and stress (OR 1.050) respectively account for 17.2% of the variability of suicide attempts. Discussion and conclusion. Confirmation of the effect of the variables analyzed on the suicide attempts of psychology students underlines the importance of incorporating actions that will contribute to controlling the incidence of suicide.

Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Suicidal Behaviour in Copenhagen

IntroductionDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, multiple concerns were expressed about the inadequacy and unavailability of mental health services. This study aims to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the prevalence of suicidal behaviour in Copenhagen. MethodsThis exploratory retrospective quantitative study was conducted based on annual register-based electronic health records of the Emergency Medical Services Copenhagen from 2015 to 2021. It focused on calls related to suicidal behaviour entering the Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre 112 and the medical helpline 1813. The calls were identified based on the search of the Danish and English words for suicide in the medical records. The primary outcome focused on the number of suicidal calls registered in the EMS records prior to the Covid-19 outbreak as compared to numbers during the pandemic. ResultsThe study analysed 8026 recorded suicide-related calls from March 2015 to December 2021. The number of suicidal behaviours increased by 9%. During the Covid-19 years, there was a decrease of 11% in suicidal behaviour. This pattern could be observed in all age groups. However, suicidal behaviour increased by 4% from 104 (2019) to 119 and 118 (2020 and 2021, respectively) among adolescents aged 11–18 years. The prevalence of suicidal behaviour was constantly higher among females compared to males. ConclusionWhile suicidal behaviour increased, the Covid-19 pandemic has been linked to a decline in suicidal behaviour. Adolescents and females seem to be more prone to suicidal behaviour during times of crisis compared to other age groups and males.

Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Individuals With Parkinson Disease

Suicide risk may be increased in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), a common neurodegenerative condition. Mood disorders, especially depression, are prevalent in patients with PD who report suicidality. To address inconsistent results from studies of suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with PD. The study team searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to June 14, 2023, and further screened the bibliographies of relevant studies to ensure a comprehensive search. Original studies, published in English, discussing either suicidal ideation, behavior, or both in adults with PD were included. Accepted study designs included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Studies that only included patients with PD after deep brain stimulation were excluded. This meta-analysis was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors reviewed each study and extracted the data independently, with discrepancies referred to a third independent author. Outcomes included the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior, measured as proportions, and the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with PD relative to controls, measured in both odds ratio (OR) and hazards ratio (HR). A total of 28 studies comprising 505 950 PD patients were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was evaluated in 14 studies (22.2%; 95% CI, 14.6-32.3) and suicidal behavior in 21 studies (1.25%; 95% CI, 0.64-2.41). Excluding 4 outliers, prevalence of suicidal behavior was significantly higher in prospective studies (1.75%; 95% CI, 1.03-2.95) than retrospective studies (0.50%; 95% CI, 0.24-1.01). Excluding 1 outlier, OR of suicidal behavior was pooled across 10 studies and significant (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.22-3.78; P = .01). HR of suicidal behavior was assessed in 9 studies (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.40-2.14; P < .001). This meta-analysis involving more than 500 000 patients with PD found 22.2% and 1.25% of patients with PD to have suicidal ideation and behavior, respectively. Patients with PD had 2 times the risk of suicidal behavior than controls. Early recognition and management of suicidality in PD can help reduce mortality.

The Prevalence of Suicidal Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background: Suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) are common in autistic individuals, but prevalence rates have not yet been estimated with meta-analysis. Aims: This meta-analysis aims to estimate SI and SA prevalence rates in autistic individuals and identify subgroup differences based on sample characteristics and study quality. Methods: A systematic search identified 52 studies with 88,509 autistic participants reporting SI and SA. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Pooled prevalence estimates of lifetime SI and SA were 37.2% [95% CI 25.3-50.8] and 15.3% [95% CI 9.5-23.6], respectively. For 12-month prevalence, this was 25.4% [95% CI 19.0-33.2] and 14.1% [95% CI 7.4-25.2], respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences based on age (SI), region (SI), data collection (SI), measurement scales used to define autism and suicidality (SA), and representation of the study sample (SI and SA). Heterogeneity measures were high for all outcomes (I2 = 60.3-99.1%). Limitations: The heterogeneity of the included studies may limit the generalizability of our findings. Conclusion: The high rates of suicidal problems in autistic individuals call for a systematic evaluation of suicidality in clinical practice and adequate therapeutic interventions to improve this condition.

Prevalence of suicidal behavior in adolescents in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Suicidal behaviour (SB) in adolescents is an emerging public health issue globally. The present study was undertaken to estimate the overall prevalence of SB among the adolescents (10-19 years of age) in India. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA), an extensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, Cochrane, and preprint servers (medRxiv, arXiv, bioRxiv, BioRN, ChiRxiv, ChiRN, and SSRN) and assessment of all published articles until 28th February 2023 as per the PROSPERO registration protocol (CRD42023385550), was undertaken. Studies from India which reported the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicidal plan were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed by risk of bias assessment tool. R version 4.2 was used to conduct all the relevant analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed, and a random effects model for estimating the pooled prevalence of the outcomes was applied. Subgroup analyses were planned based on region, locality (urban/rural) and the study settings (educational institutions/community-based). A meta-regression to analyze the effects of potential moderators on outcomes was done. Sensitivity analyses were planned based on the removal of outliers and poor-quality studies. Publication bias was tested by Doi plot and LFK index. Pooled prevalence of suicide attempts, suicide ideations and suicide plans RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were identified as eligible for the systematic review, and 19 studies were identified as eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was estimated to be 11% (95% CI 7-15); heterogeneity between the studies was high (I2 98%, p<0.01). The pooled prevalence of suicidal attempts and suicidal plan was estimated to be 3% each (95% CI 2-5); with heterogeneity being high (I2 96%, p<0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant variation in suicidal ideation and attempts between different regions of India (South>East>North), and higher prevalence among the educational-institute-based settings and urban areas. Overall, the prevalence of suicidal behavior among the adolescents in India is high, and they experience all types of suicidal behavior (ideations, plans and attempts).

Suicidal Behavior Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants Among Delhi College Students: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The high burden of suicide among young adults is a matter of grave concern worldwide. Yet only a few studies from India have attempted to explore the region-specific prevalence and determinants of suicidal behavior. Considering this research gap, the present study was undertaken to capture the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of suicidal behavior among college-going young adults residing in Delhi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 272 (59.20% females) college-going young adults (aged 18–30 years) of Delhi. Data on sociodemographic variables were captured through a pretested and modified interview schedule. Screening for suicidal behavior was done using the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Results: Suicidal behavior was present in 18.01% of the studied participants. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was significantly higher among females (21.73%) than among males (12.61%) (P &lt; 0.05), suggesting females are at a higher risk than males. Other sociodemographic variables (age, education level, state of origin, social category, religion, and family income) were not found to be associated with suicidal behavior except for the social category, where participants belonging to reserved castes were found to be at relatively lower risk of having suicidal behavior than those belonging to the unreserved category. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal behavior among the participants is quite high. Region-specific data on suicide-related behavior is important for averting completed suicides and preventing devastating outcomes among young adults.

Suicidal behaviors and associated factors among patients attending an emergency department: a facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEmergency departments (ED) are an important site for screening patients with suicidal behaviors. However, there is insufficient data in low-and middle-income countries regarding the magnitude of suicidal attempts among patients attending EDs. Therefore, the present study aimed to screen suicidal behavior and factors associated with suicide in patients attending an ED of Addis Ababa Burn, Emergency and Trauma Hospital, Ethiopia.MethodA facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2018. A total of 398 participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. The collected data collected includes structured questionnaires containing sociodemographic determinants, chronic medical illness conditions, substance use characteristics, social support level, common mental disorders (CMD) screening, suicidal behaviors assessment and suicidal attempts reason and method.ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal behavior and suicidal attempts were 8% and 6.3%, respectively. Suicide was attempted most frequently in the 18–24 age group. There was no overall difference in sex distribution for suicidal attempts. However, there were sex-based differences when the age group was taken into consideration. The commonest underlying reason for the attempt was social reasons (44%), while the most frequently reported attempt method was hanging (36%). No single factor was found to be significantly associated with the suicidal attempt.ConclusionAlthough suicidal behaviors are more common in patients attending the ED than in the general population, these facts have previously got little attention in patient attending EDs in low and middle income countries. The present findings support the need for a more detailed assessment of suicidal behaviours in patients attending ED and in patients with CMD.

Prevalence of Suicidal Behaviors in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Long-term care facilities (LTC) plays a pivotal role in caring for geriatric population. However, the risk of suicide in long-term care institutions among older individuals is little understood (e.g., nursing homes, assisted living facilities). The purpose of this systematic review is to pool and meta-analyze the data on prevalence of suicidal behaviors in geriatric population residing in long-term care facilities. We have conducted the systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The utilized databases are Pubmed, Medline, Google scholar and Scopus. The Meta-analysis was done using OpenMeta [analyst] software. Subgroup analysis was also performed. After running an analysis on pooled data from twenty cross-sectional studies with 3,023,224 participants, the prevalence of suicidal behavior is 6.4% (95% CI = 5.7-7) in LTC. This meta-analysis shows pooled prevalence of suicidal behavior among geriatric residents of LTC was found to be moderately high all over the world.

Suicidal behavior among inpatients with severe mental conditions in a public mental health hospital in Uganda

BackgroundSuicidal behaviors are prevalent among inpatients with severe mental conditions and may result in many dying by suicide. Few studies have focused on the burden of suicidal behaviors among these inpatients in low-income settings, despite suicide being consistently higher in lower-income countries such as Uganda. This study, therefore, provides the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviors and suicide attempts among inpatients with severe mental conditions in Uganda.MethodThis was a retrospective chart review of all individuals admitted with severe mental conditions to a large psychiatry inpatient unit in Uganda for four years (2018–2021). Two separate logistic regressions were conducted to determine the factors associated with suicidal behaviors or suicidal attempts among the admitted individuals.ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal behavior and suicidal attempts among 3104 (mean age = 33, Standard deviation [SD] = 14.0; 56% were males) were 6.12% and 3.45%, respectively. Having a diagnosis of depression increased the likelihood of both suicidal behaviors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.14–13.37; p =0.001) and attempts (aOR: 10.73; 95% CI: 3.44–33.50; p < 0.001). However, a diagnosis of substance-related disorder increased the likelihood of having attempted suicide (aOR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.21–14.15; p = 0.023). The likelihood of having suicidal behavior decreased as one increased in age (aOR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99; p = 0.006) and increased among individuals reporting stress from financial constraints (aOR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.05–4.86; p = 0.036).ConclusionSuicidal behaviors are common among inpatients managed for severe mental health conditions in Uganda, especially those with substance use and depressive disorders. In addition, financial stressors are a main predictor in this low-income country. Therefore, regular screening for suicide behaviors is warranted, especially among individuals with depression, and substance use, among those who are young, and among those reporting financial constraints/stress.

Perinatal suicidal behavior in sub-Saharan Africa: A study protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Perinatal mental illnesses are predominant during gestation and continue for a year after delivery. According to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), suicide is classified as a direct cause of death among the maternal population. The occurrence of suicidal behavior among perinatal women was considered the main contributor to the burden of the disorder. Hence, the current study will develop a protocol for a systematic review as well as a meta-analysis on estimating the prevalence and determinants of perinatal suicidal behavior in Sub-Saharan African countries. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science electronic databases will be searched for studies reporting primary data. The second search strategy will be done with Google Scholar, using a combination of the medical subject headings and keywords as the search terms. The studies will be classified into included, excluded, and undecided categories. The studies will be judged based on the eligibility criteria. Heterogeneity will be checked by using the I2 test (Cochran Q test) at a p-value of 0.05 and assuming that the I2 value is > 50%. Publication bias will be checked using a funnel plot, Beg's rank, and Eggers linear statistical tests. A subgroup analysis and sensitivity test will be carried out. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), and the quantitative analysis will determine whether or not to proceed based on the results. This protocol's comprehensive review is expected to generate sufficient evidence on the prevalence of suicidal behavior and its determinants among women during the perinatal period in Sub-Saharan African countries over the last two decades. Hence, this protocol will be imperative to collect and combine empirical data on suicidal behavior during the perinatal period, and doing so will help to provide essential implications or better evidence to plan different kinds of interventions considering determinants expected to impact the burden of suicidal behavior during the perinatal period. PROSPERO (CRD42022331544).

Suicidality and homelessness: prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviour among homeless young adults in Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundResearch indicates that homelessness is associated with an increased risk of suicide. While street homelessness is a global problem, it is a disproportionately serious concern in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Despite their high risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts, there has been limited research on this subject among homeless young people in Ethiopia. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and factors contributing to suicidal behaviour among homeless young people in the southern region of this country.MethodsWe conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from 15 June to 15 August 2020 involving 798 homeless young adults in four southern Ethiopian towns and cities. The Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) was used to assess suicidal behaviour. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data version 7 and analysed using SPSS version 20. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with suicidal behaviour. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was determined to indicate the association’s strength.ResultsThe overall prevalence of suicidal behaviour among young homeless individuals was 38.2% (95% CI: 34.8%, 41.5%). The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt was 10.7% (95% CI: 8.6–12.9%), 5.1% (95% CI: 3.6–6.6%) and 3% (95% CI: 1.9–4.3%), respectively. A longer duration of homelessness (1–2 years) (AOR = 2.244, 95% CI: 1.447–3.481), stressful life events (AOR = 1.655, 95% CI: 1.132–2.418) and the stigma associated with homelessness (AOR = 1.629, 95% CI: 1.149–1.505) were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour.ConclusionThe results of our study indicate that suicide is a serious public health problem among homeless young people in southern Ethiopia. We have found associations between suicidal behaviour and stressful events, homelessness lasting for one to two years and stigma. Our study suggests that policymakers and programme planners need to develop a strategy for preventing, detecting and managing suicidal behaviour among street-dwelling homeless young adults, a vulnerable and understudied population. A community-based suicide prevention campaign is also essential for street-dwelling homeless young people in Ethiopia.

Prevalence and correlates of suicide planning and attempt among individuals with suicidal ideation: Results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSuicidality spans from having suicidal ideation to planning and making an attempt. However, not all individuals with suicidal thoughts will proceed to plan or attempt suicide. Our study investigated (i) the prevalence of suicide planning and attempt among those with suicidal ideation and (ii) their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, mental disorders, adverse childhood events and prior suicidal behaviour. MethodThis cross-sectional analysis utilised data from Singapore Mental Health Study 2016. Only respondents with suicidal ideation were included. A total of 411 and 365 individuals were examined to establish the prevalence of suicide planning and attempt respectively. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine associations. ResultsThe prevalence of suicide planning and attempt were 17.7 % and 10.6 % respectively, with >80.0 % occurring within a year of suicidal ideation. Suicide planning was more likely among those who had mood disorders. Suicide attempt was more likely for those were currently married, had lower educational qualifications, history of anxiety disorders, history of emotional neglect and parental separation. LimitationsRecall bias may be present because the age of onset for various mental disorders and suicidal behaviours were self-reported. As suicide was criminalised when the study was conducted, the prevalence of suicidal behaviours may have been underestimated. ConclusionIndividuals at risk of suicide planning and attempt should be identified early since most of them progressed within a year. Findings suggest the importance of including prior suicide behaviour and history of dysfunctional family and emotional abuse in suicide risk assessment and intervention.

Examining mediators of associations of food insecurity and being bullied with suicide among in-school adolescents in Eswatini: a cross-sectional study

We examined the potential mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness on the association of concurrent food insecurity (FI) and being bullied (BB) with suicidal behavior (SB) in Eswatini, a lower-middle-income country. We used data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS; N = 3264), which employed a two-stage cluster sampling: first, 25 schools were selected based on the proportionate probability of enrollment; second, classes were randomly selected. A self-reported 84-item GSHS questionnaire was used to collect data for students aged 13–17 years. FI was measured by requesting students to recall how often they went hungry because of a lack of food at home in the 30 days before the study. Multiple logistic regressions and binary mediation function was applied to examine mediating factors of SB. The prevalence of SB, FI, and BB among adolescents was 27.5%, 7.7%, and 30.2%, respectively. Moreover, the relationship between FI and BB with SB was partly (approximately 24%) mediated by anxiety and loneliness. Our results highlight the mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness in suicidal adolescents who experience FI and BB. In conclusion, interventions for alleviating SB in high-risk adolescents experiencing FI and BB should also be aimed at ameliorating anxiety and loneliness.

Prevalence of suicidal behavior in a northeastern Mexican border population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, suicide was already considered a global public health problem. The outbreak of COVID-19, a coronavirus-related infectious disease, began to impact people's physical and mental health. The factors that either contribute to or mitigate this risk need to be better understood, and this can only be accomplished through research. Therefore, this study aimed to study the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior in Tamaulipas, Mexico, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 659 participants, of whom 194 (29.5%) were men and 465 (70.5%) participants were oldwomen, ranging in age between 16 and 68 years (M = 22.56, SD = 7.26). An adapted version of the Spanish version of the Columbia Suicidal Severity Rating Scale was used to assess the seriousness of suicidal ideation and behavior. The higher rates of suicidal indicators were suicidal ideation with "wish to dead" (39.9%), while the lower was suicidal ideation with a specific plan (8.2%). A total of 18.2% of participants reported "suicidal attempts before COVID-19," of whom 40% reported "suicidal attempts in the last 3 months." Suicidal behavior rates were lower: 13.7% of participants reported "non-specific preparatory behavior" and 13.3% reported "actual suicide attempts." Women were more likely than men to exhibit almost all indicators of suicidal ideation and behavior (OR = 1.63-2.54; 95% CI = 1.11-2.41, 1.76-3.68), as well as confinement (OR = 2.60; 95% CI = 1.73-3.91). Confinement for more than 40 days (OR = 0.55-0.66; 95% CI = 0.40-0.75, 0.47-0.93) and knowing a person infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.57-2.01; 95% CI = 1.02-2.42, 1.20-3.34) were associated with a higher risk of exhibiting several suicidal indicators and having previously attempted suicide. Being a woman, knowing a person infected with COVID-19, and being confined, especially for longer than 40 days, are all risk factors for suicidal ideation. Therefore, intervention programs are needed to reduce the suicide risk prevalence, especially these days because of the influence of the pandemic, and should be primarily focused on those who present the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior identified in this study.

Internet addiction and suicidal behavior among vocational high school students in Hunan Province, China: A moderated mediation model.

Vocational education is an important part of high school education in China. However, there is little research on high school students' mental health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicidal behavior (SB) among this population and the mediating role of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress in the relationship between Internet addiction (IA) and SB using a structural equation model. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among several vocational high school students in Hunan Province, and 7,968 valid questionnaires were obtained. General demographic data and data from the Dual-Mode Self-Control Scale, Athens Insomnia Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress scale-21, and Revised Chen Internet Addiction Scale were collected. A structural equation model was used to explore the different pathways from IA to SB. Among the participants, 37.7, 15.7, and 21.8% reported suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts, respectively. The structural equation model confirmed that IA was indirectly related to SB and was mediated by insomnia and/or depression, anxiety, and stress. First, we only recruited students from vocational schools in Hunan Province, therefore, the sample may not represent the entire population of vocational students in China. Second, self-report scales were used in this study, and clinical diagnosis required professional interviews. Third, since this study had a cross-sectional design, the causal relationship between the variables could not be determined. The prevalence of SB among vocational high school students in China was significantly high. The prevention of SB related to IA can be attributed to the improvement of insomnia and emotional problems.