Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior among secondary school students in Kut City

Abstract EN

Background : Adolescent suicidal behavior is a neglected public health issue especially in middle and low-income countries.

Objectives : The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of suicidal behavior among secondary school students in Kut City and to identify some variables that might be associated with suicidal behavior.

Methodology : A cross-sectional school-based study of 1067 students.

Data were collected using the supervised self-administered questionnaire based on a Global School-based Student Health Survey ‘‘GSHS’’ questionnaire.

Results : 8.3 % (89 out of 1067) of the students had suicidal behavior (suicidal ideation and attempts).

Factors significantly related to adolescents’ suicidal behavior are [depression includes : feeling of loneliness, felt sad or hopeless], anxiety, poor school grade, and subjected to corporal punishment at home.

Conclusion : The suicidal behavior of adolescents may be influenced by psycho-social, educational factors such as poor mental health, poor school grade, and subjected to corporal punishment.