Citation

Kaggwa MM, Abaatyo J, Otika D, Pebolo PF, Bongomin F. BMC Psychol. 2024; 12(1): e394.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s40359-024-01897-1

PMID

39014513

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Self-harming ideations demand targeted research due to their persistent nature, especially among female adolescents within refugee populations who face unique challenges that can exacerbate self-harming tendencies. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with self-harming ideations chronicity among female teenagers living in refugee settlement in Northern Uganda.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study used a pretested questionnaire to assess self-harming ideations and other demographic characteristics. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with chronicity of self-harm ideations.

RESULTS: Of 385 participants, the prevalence of self-harming ideations was 4.2% (n = 16) for acute, 8% (n = 31) for subacute, and 3.1% (n = 12) for chronic. The likelihood of having more chronic self-harming ideations increased with having ever been pregnant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.78, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.57-9.08). However, having a spouse as the family head reduced the likelihood of having more chronic self-harming ideations (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.04-0.95).

CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of self-harming thoughts among female teenagers in Northern Ugandan refugee settlements varies. Pregnancy history is associated with a higher chance of prolonged self-harming thoughts while having a spouse as the family's head is linked with a lower likelihood. Examining different demographic and familial elements when addressing the mental well-being of female teenage refugees is vital. It stresses the necessity for customized interventions and support networks targeting the reduction of self-harm behaviors among this vulnerable group.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adolescent Behavior/psychology; Female; Females; Adolescent; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Uganda; *Refugees/psychology/statistics & numerical data; *Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology/psychology; Chronicity of self-harming behaviors, suicidal behaviors, teenagers; Refugees, and Uganda; Self-harm ideations