Suicidal ideation and associated factors among adolescents in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among Brazilian adolescents. The instrument designed for the research was used considering three models with outcomes that identified the following: (a) adolescent had considered suicide, (b) adolescents have planned suicide, and (c) adolescents have attempted suicide. Logistic Regression was used in all models with significance level of 5%. An association between being female and suicidal ideation (OR=2.18, CI 95% 1.60 to 2.97), suicide planning (OR=1.80, CI 95% = 1.26-2.56), and suicide attempt (OR=2.91, CI 95% 1.79 to 4.75) was found. Violent behavior/involvement in fights was associated with thinking about suicide (OR=2.00, CI 95% = 1.43 to 2.81), suicide planning (OR=1.65, CI 95% = 1.10-2.46), and suicide attempt (OR=2.35, CI 95% = 1.49 to 3.70). For cigarette consumption, association was found with suicide ideation (OR=1.62, CI 95% 1.03 to 2.55), planning (OR=1.88, CI 95% = 1.15 to 3.08), and attempt (OR=2.35, CI 95% 1.37 to 4.03). For alcohol consumption, association was found with suicide ideation (OR=1.93, CI 95% 1.47 to 2.54), planning (OR=2.22, CI 95% 1.61 to 3.08), and attempt (OR=1.73, CI 95% 1.15 to 2.59). It was concluded that suicidal ideation was associated with female sex, involvement in fights, and illicit drug use.