Identification of risk factors in child and adolescent suicide attempts

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: suicide is the third cause of death in the adolescence. It was estimated that for each adolescent that commits suicide there are between fifteen and twenty non fatal attempts. OBJECTIVES: to identify risk factors present in children and adolescents hospitalized due to suicide attempt and to evaluate psychopathology disorder and family (family structure and functioning) as risk factors. METHOD: prospective study based on clinical interviews and test to 41 children and adolescents hospitalized in the Hospital de Niños de Cordoba due to suicide attempt and their parents, compared to a control group. Data were processed with bivariated and multivariated analysis and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 56.1% of suicide attempts were female sex and the 43.9% male sex. The average age was lower for males (p<0.001). Psychopathological risk factors associated to suicide attempt were: previous suicide attempt, conduct disorder (p<0,0006), and family factors: suicidal conduct, conduct disorder in relatives, mono-parental family and high risk relationship with father and mother (p<0,0001). Protective factors associated with the control group were: absence of psychopathological disorder, biparental structure family and good communication with parents (p<0.0001) (OR=15,00; IC: 4,47 – 50,30). CONCLUSIONS: the background of previous suicide attempt, conduct disorder and change in family structure and functioning are risk factors of suicide attempt.