Self-reported suicidal behavior in Dutch secondary education students

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Adolescent mental health is a significant public health concern.
• Understanding the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior in secondary school students is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Previous research indicates potential gender and age-related differences in suicidal behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide and death among secondary school students in The Netherlands.
• To explore potential differences in prevalence based on gender, age, and school type.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with nearly 10,000 secondary education students aged 14-20 in The Netherlands.
• Data were collected on self-reported suicide attempts, thoughts of suicide, and thoughts of death.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify prevalence rates and significant differences between demographic groups.

Main Results:

• 3.3% of girls and 1.3% of boys reported a suicide attempt.
• 5.2% of girls and 2.2% of boys reported current thoughts of suicide.
• 9.3% of girls and 4.8% of boys reported thoughts of death; notable gender difference observed for thoughts of death.
• No substantial differences in suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide were found across age groups or school types.

Conclusions:

• Suicidal ideation and behavior are present in a significant minority of Dutch secondary school students.
• While gender differences were minimal for attempts and suicidal thoughts, girls reported higher rates of thoughts of death.
• The findings highlight the need for accessible mental health support for all students, irrespective of age or school type.