Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior among adolescents in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

PLoS One. 2025 May 9;20(5):e0323387. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323387. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a significant public health issue worldwide and the third leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds. In Ethiopia, while suicidal behaviors among adolescents have a considerable impact, there is limited information on these behaviors, especially in community settings. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior among adolescents in Bahir Dar City.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study involving 692 adolescents was conducted in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in May 2021. Participants were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Semi-structured and standardized questionnaires were employed to gather data via face-to-face interviews. Suicidal behavior was evaluated using the six questions of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Epi-Data version 3.1 was utilized for data entry, whereas Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 was employed for analysis. Logistic regression with an adjusted odds ratio determined the relationship between outcome and factor variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The prevalence of suicidal behavior was found to be 19.8%, with a 95% CI (16.6, 22.8). Regarding predictive variables, low social support (AOR 12.42, 95% CI 5.95 to 25.95), expressed more anger (AOR 7.30, 95% CI 2.51 to 21.22), negative childhood experiences (AOR 7.11, 95% CI 3.56 to 14.20), family history of suicidal attempts (AOR 5.66, 95% CI 2.44 to 13.10), having no good relationship with parents (AOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.59 to 12.08), depression (AOR 5.32, 95% CI 2.64 to 10.70), stressful life events (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.45 to 4.91), and interpersonal stress (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.40) were significantly increased odds of suicidal behavior among respondents.

CONCLUSION: Suicidal behavior was prevalent in the study area, and factors such as depression, stressful life events, poor parental relationships, negative childhood experiences, high anger expression, low social support, and a family history of suicidal attempts were the significant contributors. Mental health interventions have to emphasize psychosocial support for adolescents, improve the parent-adolescent relationship by increasing parental knowledge about adolescents’ mental health, and integrate youth-friendly health services that foster mental well-being. Policymakers can also propose mandating mental health guidance in schools.

PMID:40344175 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0323387