TO STUDY THE PERSONAL, SOCIAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR IN ADOLESCENTS OF 10-18 YEARS AGE GROUP

Abstract

Background: Considering the increased incidence of suicide in adolescence, the pediatrician plays a vital role in assessing the level of risk by clinical judgment, by reviewing the risk and protective factors and by a direct verification of thoughts and acts of suicide.

Objective: To study the correlation of sociodemographic and education level with the suicidal attempt in adolescents. To study the correlation between stressful life events and suicidal tendencies in adolescents. Methods: At admission the complete family history, history of addiction, demographic details were noted, details regarding drug abuse drug usage and previous suicidal attempts were taken for all children.  

Result: A total of 50 individuals were enrolled in the study, with the majority being female patients (n=31, 62%) and a median age of 15 years.  Among the participants, 27 (54%) were from lower-middle-class backgrounds.  The most commonly used substances in suicide attempts were cypermethrin (n=11, 22%) and herbicides (n=8, 16%).  The key risk factors identified for suicide were poor academic performance (n=16, 32%), domestic violence (n=12, 24%), failed relationships (n=10, 20%), and parental separation (n=6, 12%).

Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study,various factors associated with the risk of suicidal behavior in

Adolescents were evaluated. Gender differences were also seen as females were more than males. Poisoning and hanging were the main methods used to commit suicide in adolescents.

Late adolescent age group was more vulnerable to suicidal behaviour with female gender predominance. Poisoning was noted as main method of suicidal attempt.