Prevalence and Associated Factors of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt Among High School Adolescent Students in Fitche Town, North Shoa, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2012: Institutional Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescent suicidal behavior, which is an important public health problem worldwide, is a neglected public health issue especially in middle- and low-income countries including Ethiopia.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and attempt among high school adolescents in Fitche town high school.

Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to April/2012 involving 758 students. Data was collected using a pretested structured self-administered questionnaire containing socio-demographic variables, associated factors, suicide ideation and attempt, the method of suicide attempt and reason for their attempt. Binary logistic regression was computed to determine the relations between associated factors, and suicide ideation and attempt.

Results: A total of 758 subjects were participated with a response rate of 95.3%. The prevalence of life time suicidal ideation and attempt were 20.5% [males=17.6%, and females=23.8%] and 12.5% [males=11.1%, females=14.0%], respectively. Being female, having no social support, being disappointed with school results that lead failure in study, having family history of suicide, having felt lonely and feeling of hopeless that stopped doing usual activities seemed to be associated with suicide Ideation and attempt. Life-time experience of being alcohol drunk and khat chewing were positively associated with suicide Ideation but not with suicide attempt. Most adolescents used hanging as a method of attempting suicide in both sexes with higher number of preference in males, but poisoning was preferred by females.

Conclusion: The prevalence of suicide ideation and attempt were high which shows a significant public health issue among school going adolescents that requires a great emphasis.

Keywords: suicide Ideation, suicide attempt, adolescent