ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND RISK OF SUICIDE AMONG ADDIS ABABA PREPARATORY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Abstract Background: Suicide can be defined as intentional self-inflicted death, This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and risk of suicide among Addis Ababa preparatory school. Methods: Institution based systematic random sampling method was used to recruit samples for the study.. The first student was randomly chosen. The randomization was made systematically in every 3rd student during the data collection period, and the first participant was selected by lottery method. Result: A total of 375 students were involved and all responded, giving a response rate of 100%. 54% of students have poor knowledge about suicide and 46% have good knowledge about suicide. 65% of the students are also at risk for suicide and 35% are not at risk for suicide. Conclusion and recommendation: In conclusion, the knowledge about suicide is very low among preparatory students. A significant amount of students still believe suicide is associated with the devil. The government and the minister of health should focus on teaching about suicide as it has huge economical and medical benefit both for the government and the individual of the community.