Risk factors and profiles of reattempted suicide in children aged less than 12 years

Abstract

Objective

Suicide attempt (SA) repetition is considered one of the main risk factors for completed suicide. In spite of this, there is no previous research on this variable in children. The objective was to determine the factors and profiles associated with reattempted suicide in children aged less than 12 years.

Methods

Cross-sectional study that included 120 reports (event code INS.356) of SA in children aged less than 12 years between 2018 and 2023 in the SIVIGILA surveillance system of Colombia. We carried out a bivariate logistic regression analysis to generate the best fitting risk factor model and a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to establish the possible SA recurrence profiles using the SPSS software, version 26.

Results

Of the 120 cases analysed, 43 (35.8%) were reports of reattempted suicide. The best model for predicting risk factors for repeated SA included child maltreatment (OR, 6.22; P < .05), persistent suicidal ideation (PSI) (OR, 30.91; P < .001), a history of violence or sexual abuse (OR, 13.10; P < .05) and the use of sharp objects (OR, 46.45; P < .001). The MCA identified 3 profiles: “first SA” with poisoning as the attempt method and in absence of PSI, violence and abuse; “one previous SA” with the use of sharp objects and presence of PSI ; “two or more previous SAs” with a history of violence or sexual abuse, child maltreatment and hanging as the method.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the impact of early life adversity (ELA) on children's mental health, so it is necessary to detect and prevent these types of abuse in order to reduce childhood suicide.