Suicidal Behaviour, Self-Harm and Related Factors: A Retrospective Study from the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicide attempts and self-harm are significant concerns in adolescence, often sharing common biopsychosocial risk factors.
• Identifying these factors is crucial for risk assessment and implementing effective preventive measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between suicide attempts, self-harm, and psychosocial factors among hospitalized adolescents.
• To identify key predictors for self-harm and suicide attempts in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 599 hospitalized adolescents' records (December 2022 - February 2025).
• Data collected included demographics, self-harm, suicide attempts, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and unhealthy habits.
• Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• 70.8% reported self-harm and 37.8% reported suicide attempts; rates were significantly higher in girls.
• Adolescents with self-harm had higher rates of suicide attempts.
• Adverse childhood experiences and unhealthy behaviors were more frequent in adolescents with self-harm and suicide attempts.

Conclusions:

• Exposure to adverse childhood experiences and unhealthy habits are associated with increased rates of self-harm and suicide attempts.
• Comprehensive assessment and early detection of self-harm and psychosocial risk factors are vital for suicide prevention strategies.
• Prompt intervention is essential for high-risk adolescents exhibiting these behaviors.