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Published on: December 2, 2015
Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children
Lauren C Ng1, Catherine M Kirk1, Frederick Kanyanganzi1
1Lauren C. Ng, PhD, Catherine M. Kirk, MPH, François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Frederick Kanyanganzi, MBA, Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda; Mary C. Smith Fawzi, ScD, Program in Infectious Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Vincent Sezibera, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda; Evelyne Shema, BS, Department of Social Work, Rwinkwavu District Hospital, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda; Justin I. Bizimana, BS, Department of Mental Health, Rwinkwavu District Hospital, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda; Felix R. Cyamatare, MD, Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda; Theresa S. Betancourt, ScD, MA, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.
Aims:
To identify predictors, including HIV status, of suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children aged 10-17.
Method:
Matched case-control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.
Results:
Over 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behaviour in the previous 6 months, compared with 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting or had caregivers with mental health problems.
Conclusions:
Policies and programmes that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behaviour in children at increased risk related to HIV.
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