Citation

Raleva M, Jordanova Peshevska D, Filov I, Sethi D, Novotni A, Bonevski D, Hamza KH. Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014; 7(2): 375-379.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014)

DOI

10.3889/MJMS.1857-5773.2014.0416

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: One of the main objectives of this paper is to analyze the associations between childhood abuse, household dysfunction and the risk of attempting suicide among young adolescents in the country.

METHOD: A representative sample consisted of total 1277 students (58.6% female and 41.6%), aged 18 and above in year four of 664 secondary school and 613 first- and second-year university students. The data were obtained using Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Questionnaires (Family Health History Questionnaire) for collecting information on child maltreatment, household dysfunction and other socio-behavioural factors, applying WHO/CDC-recommended methodology. Statistical significance was set up at p<0.05.

RESULTS: Emotional neglect, physical abuse and physical neglect were the most frequent abusive experiences students had. Overall, suicide attempts were reported by 3.1% of respondents (4.7% by females and 0.8% by males). Those respondents who had been emotionally abused were almost three times as likely to attempt suicide, physical abuse almost doubles the chances of attempting suicide, substance abuse in the family increased the chances 2.3 times for attempting suicide, violent treatment of the mother almost quadrupled them for attempted suicide, having a family member who had been in prison increased the odds of almost 3.5 times for attempting suicide. Attempted suicide was found to be 1.5 times more likely as the number of ACEs reaches 3 and 3.4 times more likely as the number of adverse childhood experiences reached four or more.

CONCLUSION: Identifying and treating children, adolescents and young adults who have been affected by adverse childhood experiences may have substantial value in our evolving efforts to prevent suicide. © 2014 Raleva et al.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; domestic violence; suicide; female; male; child abuse; pilot study; Suicide attempt; suicide attempt; Suicide prevention; Childhood abuse; risk factor; substance abuse; article; child sexual abuse; divorce; physical abuse; family health; university student; child neglect; young adult; emotional abuse; Household dysfunction risk factors; Republic of Macedonia; Macedonia (republic)