Incidence of Suicide Attempt Behaviors between 2015-2018 Among children and Adolescents in Al Najaf Al Ashraf Province

Abstract

Background : Suicide is a grave public health issue that impacts people of all ages, including children and teenagers, and represents a significant global public health concern. This study concentrates on recent advancements in our comprehension of trends and risk factors related to children and adolescent suicidal behavior. While suicide is among the leading causes of mortality in many Western countries, it was, until recently, an exceedingly rare phenomenon in Eastern countries. Our study, conducted from 2015 to 2018, aims to explore on the trends in suicide attempt behaviors among children and adolescents. it was, until recently, an exceedingly rare phenomenon in Eastern countries.

Methods: The research objectives were achieved through a descriptive-analytic study. Incidence in suicide attempt behaviors between 2015 and 2018 among children and adolescents in Al Najaf Al Ashraf were identified. The study was conducted in the Al-Najaf province from December 2nd, 2022, to April 16th, 2023. A non-probability purposive sample of 156 participants was included in the study. Data were collected from at Hakeem teaching hospital and from police center documentation in hospital between December 16th, 2022, and January 20th, 2023. The study instrument consisted of two parts: Part I included a socio-demographic characteristics sheet with three items, gender, age, and residence. Part II focused on the method of suicide attempt (poisoning, jumping from a high place, shooting, cutting of the artery, strangulation, hanging, and burning).

Results: The highest percentage of the study sample (46%) within age group (18 years) or younger , (52%) were female. Notably, suicide attempts were highest in 2017 compared to the frequencies in 2015. A significant relationship was observed between suicide attempt behaviors and gender.

Conclusions & recommendations: Poisoning was the most common method, while the percentage of attempts involving cutting of the artery was lower. Limit access to the means of suicide, such as pesticides, drugs, and weapons. Focus on treating individuals with mental disorders, especially those struggling with depression, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. In our community, poverty, deprivation, and unemployment should be addressed as political priorities, with decision-makers actively working to strengthen the community economically and ensure equal employment opportunities.