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Prevalence of suicidal behaviour and associated factors in a large sample of Chinese adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2017

X. C. Liu ,
H. Chen ,
Z. Z. Liu ,
J. Y. Wang  and
C. X. Jia
X. C. Liu*
Affiliation:
Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan 250012, China School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Shipai, Guangzhou 510631, China The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
H. Chen
Affiliation:
Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan 250012, China
Z. Z. Liu
Affiliation:
Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan 250012, China
J. Y. Wang
Affiliation:
Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310022, China
C. X. Jia*
Affiliation:
Shandong University School of Public Health, Jinan 250012, China
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr Xianchen Liu and Dr Cun-Xian Jia, School of Public Health, Shandong University, No.44, Wenhuaxi Rd, Lixia Dist. Jinan 250012, China. (Email: xliu69@uthsc.edu or jiacunxian@sdu.edu.cn)
*Address for correspondence: Dr Xianchen Liu and Dr Cun-Xian Jia, School of Public Health, Shandong University, No.44, Wenhuaxi Rd, Lixia Dist. Jinan 250012, China. (Email: xliu69@uthsc.edu or jiacunxian@sdu.edu.cn)
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Abstract

Aims.

Suicidal behaviour is prevalent among adolescents and is a significant predictor of future suicide attempts (SAs) and suicide death. Data on the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents are limited. This study was aimed to examine the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of suicidal behaviour, including suicidal thought (ST), suicide plan (SP) and SA, in a large sample of Chinese adolescents.

Method.

This report represents the first wave data of an ongoing longitudinal study, Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort. Participants included 11 831 adolescent students from three counties of Shandong, China. The mean age of participants was 15.0 (s.d. = 1.5) and 51% were boys. In November–December 2015, participants completed a structured adolescent health questionnaire, including ST, SP and SA, characteristics of most recent SA, demographics, substance use, hopelessness, impulsivity and internalising and externalising behavioural problems.

Results.

The lifetime and last-year prevalence rates were 17.6 and 10.7% for ST in males, 23.5 and 14.7% for ST in females, 8.9 and 2.9% for SP in males, 10.7 and 3.8% for SP in females, 3.4 and 1.3% for SA in males, and 4.6 and 1.8% for SA in females, respectively. The mean age of first SA was 12–13 years. Stabbing/cutting was the most common method to attempt suicide. Approximately 24% of male attempters and 16% of female attempters were medically treated. More than 70% of attempters had no preparatory action. Female gender, smoking, drinking, internalising and externalising problems, hopelessness, suicidal history of friends and acquaintances, poor family economic status and poor parental relationship were all significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour.

Conclusions.

Suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents is prevalent but less than that previously reported in Western peers. While females are more likely to attempt suicide, males are more likely to use lethal methods. Multiple child and family factors are associated with suicidal behaviour. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and intervention of suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents.

Keywords

Adolescentsepidemiologyrisk factorssuicidal behaviour
Type
Original Articles
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 28 , Issue 3 , June 2019 , pp. 280 - 289
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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