Prevalence of nonsuicidal Self-injury and Suicide Attempt among Young Adult university Students

Abstract

Objectve. To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide atempt among young adult university students. Methods. A cross-sectonal study involving six colleges from a university in Manila, from which randomizaton through a computer-generated random number was done. Data were obtained through self-administered questonnaires. Descriptve analysis and logistc regression were done to evaluate the data. Results. A total of 225 students partcipated in the study (mean age of 20.33 years). Majority were females (60.44%). Ideatons of self-harm were reported in 49.33%. NSSI and suicide atempts were reported at 26.22% and 14.67%, respectvely. In general, self-harm (NSSI and/or suicidal atempt) was reported at 33.78%, while 7.11% of the respondents reported both NSSI and suicidal atempt in the past. Furthermore, 2-3 out of 10 students who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide atempt. Associated factors of NSSI and suicide atempt were age, female gender, gender orientaton, parental civil status, employment, economic standing, and psychopathology which support the findings cited in literature. Conclusion. The high prevalence of self-harm NSSI and/or suicidal atempt (33.78%) and the finding that NSSI was a gateway for suicidal atempt and that 2-3 out of ten who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide atempt underscores the need to develop an early interventon upon detectng self-harming behaviors and a preventve program for the progression of NSSI to suicide atempts.