The Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescent’s attending St Paul Hospital Millennium Medical Collage, Pediatrics Clinic’s, A Cross-sectional study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background Adolescent suicide, a significant global public health concern, is often overlooked in middle and low-income countries, highlighting the neglect of this issue in public health. Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death worldwide and the 3rd leading cause of death between the ages of 15–24 years. However, in some countries, there is an alarming increase in suicides among children aged less than 15, as well as in the 15- 19 year age group. Objective :The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents attending care at St Paul Hospital Millennium Medical Collage Pediatrics department during the study period. Methodology :An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents aged 10-19 attending SPHMMC throughout August 1, 2023-Octobor 30, 2023 E.C. The data was collected using a standard questionnaire using a pretested structured questionnaire using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess suicide. PHQ-9-(A), the Oslo social support instruments were used to assess associated factors. Computed using bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions to assess factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. A total of 302 of 317 adolescents participated in the study (95.3% response rate). The sample size is calculated using a single population formula, taking into consideration a 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level, and 27.4% proportion used from a previous study with a similar study population with addition of 5% non-response rate. Statistical significance was declared at P-value <0.05. Participants were selected using proportional stratified sampling technique by considering their average monthly visit in each follow-up and regular outpatient visit. Result :The finding of this study revealed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt were 12.6% and 6 % respectively, In multivariate analysis those participants aged 15 19(Adjusted Odd ratio(AOR)- 5.2, 95%CI=1.44, 18.73), Study participants of a widowed families (AOR=6.6, 95%CI=108, 40.63), those with family history of mental illness(AOR7.6(1.81, 32.05), participants having poor social support(AOR=2.9, 95%CI=1.60, 14.70) and those having depression using PHQ9 (AOR=14.1, 95%CI=1.82, 39.31) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Participants that have experienced loss of a family member had 10.4 folds increase its attempting suicide compared to those that experience this (AOR=10.4, 95%CI=3.10, 36.49) and study participant having depression had an increase of 12.6 folds in attempting suicide compared to those that didn’t have depression (AOR=12.6, 95%CI=2.42, 65.77). Conclusion :The result suggests that the magnitude of suicidal ideation and attempts is high and we recommend early suicide-focused regular screening and linkage with mental health service providers. Additionally to educate healthcare providers, support peer connections, address medication side effects, involve parents and caregivers, and have an ongoing support in order to address adolescent suicide effectively. Keywords: Suicide Ideation, Suicide attempt, Adolescent,