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Self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among college students
Sadik Toprak1, Ilhan Cetin, Taner Guven
1Forensic Medicine Department, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, 67600 Zonguldak, Turkey. sadik_toprak@yahoo.com
Psychiatry Research
|November 3, 2010
Summary
This study investigated self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in Turkish college students. Findings reveal prevalence rates and identify risk factors such as low income and substance abuse, highlighting significant public health concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts are prevalent global behaviors.
- These behaviors are linked to various interdependent risk factors.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among Turkish college students.
- To identify correlates associated with these behaviors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A 2006 cross-sectional study involving 636 students from two Turkish state universities.
- Data collected on lifetime prevalence and associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- Lifetime prevalence: self-harm (15.4%), suicidal ideation (11.4%), suicide attempts (7.1%).
- Correlates for self-harm included low income, poor family relationships, smoking, and substance abuse (alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers).
- Tranquilizer abuse was linked to both suicidal ideation and attempts; drug abusers and those practicing self-harm showed the highest suicide risk.
Conclusions:
- Significant prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts exists among Turkish college students.
- Low income, adverse familial relationships, and substance abuse are key risk factors.
- Targeted prevention and intervention strategies are needed for at-risk student populations.
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