Suicidal behaviour in adolescents: Educational interventions in Mexico.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Educational Intervention

Background:

• Adolescent suicide presents a significant global public health challenge.
• Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating suicidal behaviors in youth.
• Developing countries require tailored strategies to address adolescent mental health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of suicidal behavior among middle school students in Mexico.
• To implement and evaluate educational interventions targeting suicidal behavior prevention.
• To enhance awareness and skills related to suicide prevention in students, families, and the community.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, mixed-method study involving 383 middle school students (ages 12-14).
• Utilized the Life Skills Education methodology for educational interventions.
• Included questionnaires on psychosocial indicators, life skills, alcohol consumption, and prosociality, alongside focus groups.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 14.1% for suicide attempts was observed, with an average age of 12.9 years.
• 75% of suicide attempters were female, and 64.8% had a history of alcohol consumption.
• The educational intervention significantly improved students' self-awareness and overall life skills, and increased community awareness of suicide and depression.

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions can effectively enhance life skills and awareness regarding adolescent suicidal behavior.
• Community-based approaches, including 'gatekeeper' training, are vital for suicide prevention.
• There is a critical need for both increased interventions and improved measurement tools for adolescent suicide in developing nations.