Citation

Guedria-Tekari A, Missaoui S, Kalai W, Gaddour N, Gaha L. Pan. Afr. Med. J. 2019; 34: e105.

Affiliation

University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, African Field Epidemiology Network)

DOI

10.11604/pamj.2019.34.105.19920

PMID

31998428

PMCID

PMC6961937

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Studies directed on suicidal behavior in North African adolescents are rare. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among high school students in Tunisia and to determine factors associated with this suicidal behavior.

METHODS: This is an analytical cross-sectional study composed of a population containing 821 high school students obtained through cluster sampling. The participants completed a pre-established form related to socio-demographic characteristics and anxiety symptoms, the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised, the Beck depression scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale.

RESULTS: The mean age of the adolescents was 17.7±0.97 years. Prevalence of suicidal behavior was 26.9% for brief passing suicidal thoughts, 9.6% for serious suicidal thoughts, and 7.3% for suicide attempts. Six determining factors of suicidal behavior were found: female gender (OR=2.56 (1.32-4.95); p= 0.005), personal history of depression (OR=2.29 (1.38-3.80); p=0.001), tobacco smoking (OR=3.59 (1.61-8.01); p=0.002), current depression symptoms (OR=5.50 (2.14-14.11); p<0.001), history of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (OR= 3.16 (2.05-4.86); p<0.001), and low self-esteem (OR=2.74 (1.71-4.38); p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Suicidal ideation and attempts are frequent among Tunisian adolescents and represent a serious public health problem. An urgent national prevention program is required.

© Asma Guedria-Tekari et al.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; adolescent; suicidal behavior; suicidal ideation; suicide attempts; suicide risk factors