Non-fatal suicidal behaviour, depression and poverty among young men living in low-resource communities in South Africa (original) (raw)
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Psychosocial Correlates of Suicidal Ideation in Rural South African Adolescents
Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 2014
Suicide is a prevalent problem among young people in Southern Africa, but prevention programs are largely absent. This survey aimed to identify the behavioral and psychosocial correlates of suicidal ideation among adolescents in Limpopo. A two-stage cluster sample design was used to establish a representative sample of 591 adolescents. Bivariate correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Findings show that suicidal ideation is prevalent among adolescents. The psychosocial factors perceived social support and negative feelings about the family and the behavioral factors forced sexual intercourse and physical violence by the partner were found to increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Depression mediated the relationship between these psychosocial and behavioral risk factors and suicidal ideation. This study increased our understanding of the psychosocial and behavioral predictors of adolescent suicidal ideation. The findings provide target points for future intervention programs and call for supportive structures to assist adolescents with suicidal ideation.
Approximately 75% of suicides occur in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) where rates of poverty are high. Evidence suggests a relationship between economic variables and suicidal behaviour. To plan effective suicide prevention interventions in LMICs we need to understand the relationship between poverty and suicidal behaviour and how contextual factors may mediate this relationship. We conducted a systematic mapping of the English literature on poverty and suicidal behaviour in LMICs, to provide an overview of what is known about this topic, highlight gaps in literature , and consider the implications of current knowledge for research and policy. Eleven databases were searched using a combination of key words for suicidal ideation and behaviours, poverty and LMICs to identify articles published in English between January 2004 and April 2014. Narrative analysis was performed for the 84 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Most English studies in this area come from South Asia and Middle, East and North Africa, with a relative dearth of studies from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the available evidence comes from upper middle-income countries ; only 6% of studies come from low-income countries. Most studies focused on poverty measures such as unemployment and economic status, while neglecting dimensions such as debt, relative and absolute poverty, and support from welfare systems. Most studies are conducted within a risk-factor paradigm and employ descriptive statistics thus providing little insight into the nature of the relationship. More robust evidence is needed in this area, with theory-driven studies focussing on a wider range of poverty dimensions, and employing more sophisticated statistical methods.
2013 Epidemiology of suicide in South Africa: Setting an agenda for future research
This article offers a synthesis and critical overview of published studies on the prevalence and correlates of completed suicide in South Africa. It examines the evidence that suicide is a serious public health problem and highlights what remains unknown about suicide in South Africa. Reflections are offered on the implications of these studies for subsequent research. Focus areas are suggested for future research in order to provide the information needed to inform public health efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with suicidal behaviour. This article is of interest to scholars who seek to plan suicide research in South Africa, public health officials who wish to design suicide prevention programmes, and others who wish to gain an overview of the prevalence and correlates of completed suicide in the country.
Lifetime mental disorders and suicidal behaviour in South Africa
2011
Background: There is relatively little data on the relationship between lifetime mental disorders and suicidal behaviour in low and middle income countries. This study examines the relationship between lifetime mental disorders, and subsequent suicide ideation, plans, and suicide attempts in South Africa. Method: A national survey of 4185 South African adults was conducted using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) to generate psychiatric diagnoses and suicidal behaviour.
Household Factors Associated with Self-Harm in Johannesburg, South African Urban-Poor Households
PLOS ONE, 2016
Introduction Low and middle income countries bear the majority burden of self-harm, yet there is a paucity of evidence detailing risk-factors for self-harm in these populations. This study aims to identify environmental, socioeconomic and demographic household-level risk factors for self-harm in five impoverished urban communities in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods Annual serial cross-sectional surveys were undertaken in five impoverished urban communities in Johannesburg for the Health, Environment and Development (HEAD) study. Logistic regression analysis using the HEAD study data (2006-2011) was conducted to identify household-level risk factors associated with self-harm (defined as a self-reported case of a fatal or non-fatal suicide attempt) within the household during the preceding year. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with self-harm. Results A total of 2 795 household interviews were conducted from 2006 to 2011. There was no significant trend in self-harm over time. Results from the final model showed that self-harm was significantly associated with households exposed to a violent crime during the past year (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.72; 95% CI 1.64-19.97); that have a member suffering from a chronic medical condition (AOR 8.95; 95% 2.39-33.56) and households exposed to indoor smoking (AOR 4.39; CI 95% 1.14-16.47).
International Review of Psychiatry, 2020
Common mental disorders (CMDs) affect millions of people worldwide and impose a high cost to individuals and society. Youth are disproportionately affected, as has also been confirmed in South Africa. Mental disorders and substance use disorders often occur as concurrent disorders. Although youth in rural South Africa grow up in difficult social and economic conditions, the study of mental disorders in South Africa has focussed primarily on urban populations. One such rural area in South Africa is the Harry Gwala District, where rates of interpersonal violence and self-inflicted injuries among 15-24-year-old men, are extraordinarily high. Suicide is an important proxy measure of severe emotional distress, predominantly depression and hopelessness. This study reports on rates of fatal self-harm among 15-24-year-old men in the Harry Gwala District. We determined the rates and severity of CMDs and their correlates among 355 young males ranging in age from 14 to 24 years in the Harry Gwala District community. High rates of depression, anxiety, hopelessness and worthlessness were reported. One in four of the young men and boys reported current suicidal thoughts associated with depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and binge drinking. Reports of alcohol use were high, as were those of daily cannabis use. Our findings show high rates of CMDs and alcohol use, and highlight the impact of collective dysphoria on the mental well-being of rural youth in South Africa, who are likely coping through drug and alcohol use.
Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors as Risks for Suicidality in Nigeria
2021
Background: Preventing suicide has become a major public health priority in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated factors of suicidal ideation (SI 1) and attempt (SA 2) among Korean adults. Methods: The data were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES), a nationally representative sample recruited using a multi-stage clustered probability design. The association of putative risk factors focused on nutrition and health behaviors which were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting for confounding factors. Survey sample weights were used for all analysis. Results: The 12-month prevalence of SI and SA in Korea was 15.0% and 0.85%, respectively. Female, previously married status, lower education and lower household income were associated with SI and SA. In particular, the effect of age on SI presented a reverse pattern based on gender; there was a positive association for men and a negative association for women. Additionally, drinking, smoking, physical activity above moderate intensity and eating fewer meals were associated with SA in women, whereas regular exercise was protective against SI in men. Limitations: The data were collected using a cross-sectional survey, embedding possible bias. Conclusions: Higher prevalence of SI and SA among women was associated with smoking, drinking, avoiding regular exercise and insufficiency of food. Lower prevalence of SI was observed in men who engaged in physical activity while men with insufficient food showed a higher prevalence of SI and SA.
Epidemiology of suicide in South Africa: setting an agenda for future research
This article offers a synthesis and critical overview of published studies on the prevalence and correlates of completed suicide in South Africa. It examines the evidence that suicide is a serious public health problem and highlights what remains unknown about suicide in South Africa. Reflections are offered on the implications of these studies for subsequent research. Focus areas are suggested for future research in order to provide the information needed to inform public health efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with suicidal behaviour. This article is of interest to scholars who seek to plan suicide research in South Africa, public health officials who wish to design suicide prevention programmes, and others who wish to gain an overview of the prevalence and correlates of completed suicide in the country.
Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Suicidal Behaviors Among Adults in Nigeria
Objectives Suicidal behavior is seen in the context of a variety of mental disorders and it is believed that suicide has become a serious issue in both developed and developing countries. This study was done to evaluate the associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Nigerian adults. Methods The data were collected from Federal Medical Center Birnin Kebbi and the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Kebbi State, a nationally representative sample was recruited using a multi-stage clustering method. Results Female gender, being divorced/widowed, lower education, and lower-income level were associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt (OR=1.56; CI=1.31-1.97, OR=1.91; CI=1.09-3.31). In particular, the effect of age on suicidal ideation presented a reverse pattern based on gender; there was a positive association for men and a negative association for women. Conclusion This study suggested that low education, low-income level, marital status, and age were predominantly associated with the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in women than men.