The prevalence of suicidal behaviors and their mental risk factors among young adolescents in 46 low- and middle-income countries

Background: To describe the prevalence of suicidal behaviors (ideation, planning, and attempt) and their associated factors in young adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We used the latest data from the Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) for adolescents aged 12-15 years during 2009-2015. The weighted prevalence and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) of suicidal behaviors were calculated using a random-effects model. The factors associated with suicidal behaviors were examined using logistic regression analysis.

Results: Data from 130,488 adolescents (48.13% boys) in 46 LMICs were included in the study. Across all countries, the pooled 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempt were 14.5%, 14.6%, and 12.7%, respectively. The highest prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempt were all in Africa (16.7%, 19.3% and 17.0%), and the lowest prevalence were all in South-East Asia (8.2%, 10.5% and 7.4%). The overall prevalence of three suicidal behaviors were higher in girls (all P < 0.001). Suicidal ideation and planning were more common in the 14-15 age group than 12-13 age group (both P < 0.001). The factors associated with suicidal behaviors were being female, older age, loneliness, anxiety, a lack of close friends, and having family supportive (all P < 0.001).

Limitations: The GSHS data were obtained from a self-report questionnaire and the participants included in the GSHS were adolescents in school.

Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal behaviors remains high among young adolescents in LMICs, especially in Africa. These countries should be intervention priorities.