Socio-demographic factors and life events associated with high suicidal intent in youth with intentional self-harm: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre in Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: There is a steady increase in the number of suicide deaths throughout the life span, particularly among youth compared with other age groups. The youth are naturally vulnerable to mental health problems, especially during their adolescent years. Our study aimed to estimate the proportion of youth with high suicidal intent and to assess the association of socio-demographic and clinical factors, including stressful life events, with suicidal intent in youth with intentional self-harm (ISH). Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done at the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, from December 2019 to May 2021 after getting approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The study sample consisted of 97 consecutive inpatients aged 15 to 24 years with ISH referred from various departments to the Psychiatry Department, who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the participants were enrolled after getting written informed consent/assent from the guardian and/or the patient. The suicide intent was assessed using Beck’s Suicide Intent scale. A specially designed proforma was used to assess the socio-demographic details and precipitating factors. The stressful life events were assessed using the Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale. Results: 18.5% of youth with ISH had high suicidal intent. Past history of suicide attempts (p = 0.03) and life events (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with high suicidal intent. Conclusions: Past history of suicide attempts had a significant association with high suicide intent. Early recognition and correction of the risk factors can help to prevent further suicide attempts.