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Predictors of suicidal behavior in a high school student population: a cross-sectional study

Prädiktoren suizidalen Verhaltens von SchülerInnen höherer Schulen: Eine Querschnittsstudie

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Zusammenfassung

ZIEL: Untersuchung des suizidalen Verhaltens bei SchülerInnen einer höheren Schule und Ermittlung von Prädiktoren bei Jugendlichen mit Wohnsitz in der Region Timis, Rumänien. Wir gehen davon aus, dass ein Suizidversuch in Verbindung mit anderem gesundheitsgefährdendem Verhalten steht. METHODEN: 2908 SchülerInnen der 9. bis 12. Jahrgangsstufe wurden im Laufe der Studie befragt. Die SchülerInnen wurden gebeten, einen anonymen Fragebogen während einer regulären Unterrichtsstunde auszufüllen. Untersucht wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Versuch, einen Suizid zu begehen, und dem gleichzeitigen Auftreten anderer Gesundheitsgefährdungen oder von Problemverhalten. ERGEBNISSE: Im Zeitraum der letzten 12 Monate hatten 15,4% der SchülerInnen Suizidgedanken, 7,5% fassten einen Plan und 6,1% der SchülerInnen berichteten, einen Suizidversuch unternommen zu haben. Auf Grundlage einer Multivarianzanalyse (logistische Regression) wurde ein Suizidversuch mit einem Gefühl von fast täglicher Traurigkeit oder Hoffnungslosigkeit während zwei oder mehr aufeinander folgenden Wochen (OR = 4,74; 95% CI: 3,07–7,31), dem Zwang zum Geschlechtsverkehr (OR = 3,18; 95% CI: 1,83–5,50), physischer Aggressionen durch den Vater (OR = 4,28; 95% CI: 1,96–9,34), schlechten schulischen Leistungen (OR = 4,22; 95% CI: 1,51–11,74), einer gestörten Eltern-Kind-Beziehung (OR = 2,45; 95% CI: 1,17–5,12), Nahrungsverweigerung um Gewicht zu verlieren oder nicht zuzunehmen für mindestens 24 Stunden innerhalb der vergangenen 30 Tage (OR = 2,23; 95% CI: 1,40–3,53), weiblichem Geschlecht (OR = 1,91; 95% CI: 1,21–2,99) und dem Mitführen einer Waffe (OR = 2,44; 95% CI: 1,53–3,90) assoziiert. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Suizidversuche stehen mit anderem Risikoverhalten in Verbindung. Das Erkennen von gleichzeitig auftretendem gesundheitsgefährdendem Verhalten kann die Identifizierung der Suizidgefährdeten verbessern und sollte für Präventionsprogramme in Schulen und Gemeinden in Betracht gezogen werden.

Summary

AIM: To examine high school students' suicidal behavior and to identify predictors of suicide attempt among adolescents in Timis County, Romania. We hypothesized that suicide attempt is associated with other health-risk behaviors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we included 2908 high school students in grades 9 to 12. The students were asked to complete an anonymous structured questionnaire during a normal class. We examined the relationship between having attempted suicide and engaging in other health-risk or problem behaviors. RESULTS: During the previous 12 months, 15.4% of the students had had suicidal ideation, 7.5% had made a suicide plan and 6.1% reported that they had attempted suicide. Based on logistic regression multivariate analysis, attempted suicide was associated with feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more consecutive weeks (OR = 4.74; 95% CI: 3.07–7.31), being forced to have sexual intercourse (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.83–5.50), being physically aggressed by his or her father (OR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.96–9.34), performing poorly at school (OR = 4.22; 95% CI: 1.51–11.74), having an impaired relationship with parents (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.17–5.12), not eating for 24 hours or more to lose weight or to avoid gaining weight during the past 30 days (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.40–3.53), being female (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21–2.99) and carrying a weapon (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.53–3.90). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that suicide attempts are associated with other risk behaviors. These behaviors may help to evaluate suicide risk and should be considered when establishing preventive programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

    Sorin Ursoniu & Cristian Vladescu

  2. Department of Hygiene, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

    Salomeia Putnoky & Brigitha Vlaicu

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  1. Sorin Ursoniu
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  2. Salomeia Putnoky
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  3. Brigitha Vlaicu
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  4. Cristian Vladescu
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Correspondence to Sorin Ursoniu.

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Ursoniu, S., Putnoky, S., Vlaicu, B. et al. Predictors of suicidal behavior in a high school student population: a cross-sectional study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 121, 564–573 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-009-1218-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-009-1218-3

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