Suicide Attempt and Its Correlates Among School-Going Argentinian Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts: Insights from a National Survey

Abstract

A combination of personal, psychological, and environmental factors contributes to the risk of suicide attempts among those with suicidal thoughts and warrants further research. The study explored the associations of demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors with suicide attempts among a nationally representative of school-going Argentinian adolescents who have suicidal thoughts. The study analyzed the data from the Argentina Global School-based Students Survey 2018. The sample was restricted to adolescents with suicidal thoughts. The chi-square test was used to examine the association, and logistic regression determined the odds of suicide attempts across risk factors including demographic factors, psychosocial and environmental risks, as well as substance use and risk sex behaviors. In total, 11,962 (21.46%) of school-going Argentinian adolescents had suicidal thoughts, of whom 6033 (51.67%) had suicide attempts at least once in the last 12 months. Findings indicated that female adolescents had higher odds of attempts, paralleling global trends, while grade differences suggested a transitional phase’s significance. Among those with suicidal thoughts, psychosocial factors like loneliness, bullying, and school absenteeism played pivotal roles in enhancing the odds of suicide attempts. In addition, substance use, notably marijuana, amphetamines, alcohol, and early initiation were associated with a heightened risk of suicide attempts. Risky sexual behaviors, like early activity and multiple partners, were also associated with a higher likelihood of suicide attempts in suicide ideators. Emphasizing preventive measures targeting adolescents, particularly within school settings, is crucial for reducing suicide attempts among those experiencing suicidal thoughts.