Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Indonesian adolescent students

Abstract

Suicide among young people is growing as a public health threat worldwide. With a paucity of studies on this issue in Indonesia, this study aimed to identify factors associated with suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation and suicide attempt) among Indonesian adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) of Indonesia in 2015. The samples were 8634 school-going adolescents aged 13-18 years old. The data analysis consisted of univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis. The chi-square (χ²) test was employed to identify proportion differences of suicidal behaviors by independent variables whereas multiple logistic regression was used to develop models for factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. This study found that 4.75% and 2.46% reported for having suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in the last 12 months, respectively. The effects of intrapersonal factors (sex, age, loneliness, anxiety, current use of tobacco and alcohol) and interpersonal factors (physically attacked, bullying victimization, having no close friends, parental understanding and having sexual intercourse) varied by suicidal behavior and sex. Therefore, developing comprehensive approaches for prevention of mental health problems, including suicidal behaviors in the school setting is essential by asking for a collaboration of schools, parents, public health centers (PHCs), related stakeholders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Keywords: Indonesia; adolescents; mental health; suicidal ideation; suicide attempt.