Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Tunisian adolescents: prevalence and associated factors

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 to these suicidal behavior.

Methods: this is an analytical cross-sectional study composed of a population of 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 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 in Tunisian adolescents and represent a serious public health problem. An urgent national prevention program is needed.