Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation, Attempt, and associated factors among Adolescents in Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Adolescent suicidal behavior is an important social and public health problem. Suicidal ideation and attempt are common occurrences among adolescents than the general population. However, little is documented about suicidal behavior and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt and associated factors among adolescents in Dilla town, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 517 adolescents in Dilla town from May 01 to June 30, 2019 using face to face interview. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administrated questionnaires. Sui cidal ideation and attempt were assessed using the suicidality module of World Mental Health (WMH) survey initiative version 3.0 of the World Health Organiza tion (WHO) composite international diagnostic interview (CIDI). Collected data were coded and entered in to epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were performed. In the f inal model of multivariable binary logistic regression, variables with p-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant at corresponding 95% CI.

Result: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among adolescents in Dilla town were 12.4% (95% CI, 9.3-14.9) and 7.2% (95% CI: 5.0-9.5), respectively. Being female, life time use of khat, and mental distress were variables statistically associated with suicidal ideation, whereas poor social support, mental distress, and current use of khat were variables associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusion: Suicidal ideation and attempt in this study is high. Screening and identification of risky suicidal behaviors among adolescents is essential. More emphasis should be invested among females, substance users and those with emotional disturbance.

Keywords: Adolescents, Ethiopia, Suicidal attempt, Suicidal ideation