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Suicidal Expression among School-Attending Adolescents in a Middle-Income Sub-Saharan Country

Author

Listed:
  • Michael L. Wilson

    (Centre for Injury Prevention and Community Safety (CIPCS), PeerCorps Trust Fund, P.O. Box 22499 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

  • Andrea C. Dunlavy

    (Centre for Injury Prevention and Community Safety (CIPCS), PeerCorps Trust Fund, P.O. Box 22499 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)

  • Bharathi Viswanathan

    (Ministry of Health, Victoria, Republic of Seychelles)

  • Pascal Bovet

    (Ministry of Health, Victoria, Republic of Seychelles
    Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) Lausanne 1010, Switzerland)

Abstract

We investigated correlates for suicidal expression among adolescents in the Seychelles. Data on 1,432 students (52% females) were derived from the Global School-based Health Survey. Participants were divided into three groups: those with no suicidal behavior (N = 1,199); those with suicide ideation/SI (N = 89); and those reporting SI with a plan to carry out a suicide attempt/SISP (N = 139), each within a 12-month recall period. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the strength of associations with social, behavioral and economic indicators while adjusting for covariates. Sixteen percent of school-attending adolescents reported a suicidal expression (10% with a plan/6.2% without). Those reporting SI were younger (relative risk ratio RRR = 0.81; CI = 0.68–0.96), indicated signs of depression (RRR = 1.69; CI = 1.05–2.72) and loneliness (RRR=3.36; CI =1.93–5.84). Tobacco use (RRR = 2.34; CI = 1.32–4.12) and not having close friends (RRR = 3.32; CI = 1.54–7.15) were significantly associated with SI. Those with SISP were more likely to be female (RRR = 0.47; 0.30–0.74), anxious (RRR = 3.04; CI = 1.89–4.88) and lonely (RRR = 1.74; CI = 1.07–2.84). Having no close friends (RRR = 2.98; 1.56–5.69) and using tobacco (RRR = 2.41; 1.48–3.91) were also strongly associated. Having parents who were understanding was protective (RRR = 0.50; CI = 0.31–0.82). Our results suggest that school health promotion programs may benefit from targeting multiple factors associated with suicidal expression. More research, particularly multilevel designs are needed to identify peer and family influences which may modify associations with suicidality.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael L. Wilson & Andrea C. Dunlavy & Bharathi Viswanathan & Pascal Bovet, 2012. "Suicidal Expression among School-Attending Adolescents in a Middle-Income Sub-Saharan Country," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:9:y:2012:i:11:p:4122-4134:d:21438
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Garrison, C.Z. & McKeown, R.E. & Valois, R.F. & Vincent, M.L., 1993. "Aggression, substance use, and suicidal behaviors in high school students," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 83(2), pages 179-184.
    2. Olayinka Omigbodun & Nisha Dogra & Oluyomi Esan & Babatunde Adedokun, 2008. "Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Behaviour Among Adolescents in Southwest Nigeria," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 54(1), pages 34-46, January.
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    1. Michael L. Wilson & Bharathi Viswanathan & Valentin Rousson & Pascal Bovet, 2013. "Weight Status, Body Image and Bullying among Adolescents in the Seychelles," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Bimala Sharma & Eun Woo Nam & Ha Yun Kim & Jong Koo Kim, 2015. "Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt among School-Going Urban Adolescents in Peru," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-15, November.

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