Social Determinants and Developmental Factors Influencing Suicide Risk and Self-Injury in Healthcare Contexts

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and among vulnerable groups such as adolescents. Despite increasing research efforts, understanding the psychosocial factors associated with suicidal behavior remains a challenge. This study examines family and personal histories of suicidal behavior, exposure to violence, empathy, and perceived social support in adolescents who have received healthcare services in Ecuador.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. Participants were classified into suicide attempt survivors (AS, n = 58) and non-attempters (NAS, n = 380). A characterization questionnaire was applied (prior hospitalization for suicide attempt, family history, and survivor condition), the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure scale, the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test.

Results: Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts exhibited higher levels of self-injurious behavior impulse (OR = 8.90, CI 95% [4.28-18.52], p < 0.001), Gravity attempt (OR = 8.162, CI 95% [4.34-15.37], p < 0.001), and suicide risk (OR = 2.90, CI 95% [1.42-5.94], p = 0.006). A significant association was found between suicide attempts and exposure to domestic (p = 0.000), school (p = 0.000), and sexual violence (p = 0.000). A family history of suicide attempts increased the likelihood of suicidal behavior in adolescents (OR = 2.40, CI 95% [1.12-5.16], p = 0.022). In contrast, perceived family support acted as a potential protective factor (OR = 0.36, CI 95% [0.15-0.91], p = 0.055).

Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that address social and developmental factors.

Keywords: adolescents; developmental factors; empathy; self-injury; social determinants; social support; suicide risk.