Predictors of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Chiapas, Mexico

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Chiapas, Mexico based on predictor variables. A cross-sectional study adopting an ex post facto design was conducted with a non-probability sample of 4,759 students of both sexes with an average age of 18.4 years and using the following tools: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Roberts' Suicidal Ideation Scale, the Impulsiveness Scale (IS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The mean score obtained by the suicidal ideation scale was 0.2, which is lower than that reported by other studies, while the mean score for depressive symptoms was similar to those in the literature. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 7.8%, which is lower than reported in national and international studies. Multivariable logistic regression showed that impulsiveness (OR = 1.907) and depressive symptoms (OR = 9.006) lead to a twofold and ninefold increase in the likelihood of suicidal ideation, respectively. The findings also showed a strong association between suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, showing that the latter is a predictor of suicidal ideation among adolescents.