Prevalence and predictors of suicidal ideations among school going adolescents in a hilly state of India.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent suicide is an important public health issue. Suicidal ideations are often the precursor of suicide and can be targeted by appropriate and timely interventions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of suicide ideation and to study its predictive factors among school going adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in selected senior secondary schools in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. A pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using Epi info software for windows (CDC Atlanta) software for windows.

RESULTS: A total of 218 study subjects (30.9%; confidence interval = 27.6-34.5%) had suicide ideation. Discussing problems with parents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.5), having good relations with school teachers (AOR = 0.6) and helpful classmates (AOR = 0.6) lowered the odds of having suicidal ideations. On the contrary, adolescents having worrying issues in family (AOR = 2.5), verbally or physically abused (AOR = 2.8) and body image conscious (AOR = 1.8) had increased odds of suicidal ideations.

CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation is a common experience among adolescents residing in Shimla district of North India. The supportive environment at home and in school decrease its vulnerability.