Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents who Received Treatment at Siriraj Hospital

Abstract

Objective

: To study characteristics and associated factors of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents who received treatment for such behavior at Siriraj Hospital during 2006-2012.

Materials and Methods

: This was a descriptive study. Subject data was collected from outpatient and inpatient records, retrospectively. The study sample included 112 children and adolescents, aged 18 years or less; all of whom exhibited suicidal behavior and received treatment at Siriraj Hospital from January 2005 to December 2009. Data pertaining to subject characteristics and associated factors relating to suicidal behavior were collected. Associations between factors and intentions to die were analyzed by the following statistical evaluation methods: chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, stepwise logistic regression analysis, odd ratio, and the 95% confident interval.

Results

: Of the 112 patients studied, most were female (68.7 % ), aged between 15-18 years (74.1 %), single (84.8 %), with an educational level above primary school (58.9 %). The two most common occupations were students (67 %) and laborers (20.5 %), and most (58.0 %) have a supporting system to help them. 23.2 % of the sample had psychiatric problems, with the most common being depressive disorders (14.3 %). Most (69.6 %) conducted self - harm for the first time. The most common motivating events were described as, “love affair problems” (41.1 %) and “personal conflicts with close ones (32.1 %). The most common methods of committing self - harm were described as, “ingesting overdosed drugs ” (44.6%) and “ingesting chemicals” (24.1 % ). Most (93.8 %) conducted self - harm impulsively with no premeditated plan. Regarding intent, only 18.8 % had a genuine intention to die. Factors that were found to be associated with intentions to die were gender, educational level, and psychiatric disorders. Notable factor ratios included: female to male (5.48:1); educational level above primary school to primary school and lower (3.17:1); and, underlying psychiatric disorders to no psychiatric disordrs (3.75:1).

Conclusion

: Factors that were found to be associated with intentions to die included: female gender, educational level above primary school, and psychiatric disorders.