Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Urban Adolescents

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and related risk factors of suicide ideation among middle and high school students in an urban area. METHODS: We surveyed 3,691 middle and high school students (2,159 male, 1,532 female, 11-19 years of age) using a self-report questionnaire that covered basic socio-demographic data, academic achievements, presence of physical or psychiatric illness, sleep duration on weekdays, time spent at private academies on weekdays and weekends, and subjective needs for counseling. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Reynolds' Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) were included in the survey. RESULTS: The prevalence of students with high suicide ideation (SIQ > or = 62) was 4.6{%}. In a logistic regression model, female sex (p = 0.002), younger age (p or = 62). CONCLUSION: Related risk factors of suicide ideation in adolescents were female sex, younger age, poor academic achievement, and a depressive mood. It would be especially helpful to pay more attention to younger adolescents and a depressive mood as a high-risk group. The understanding of these factors will be helpful for providing an effective suicide screening and prevention program for adolescents. Language: ko