Assessment of Risk Factors and Major Life Domains Affected in Children with Suicidal Attempt: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: WHO recognizes suicide as public health priority. Suicide is fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 years. This study was conducted to assess risk factors and major life domain affected in adolescents with suicidal attempts. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted on adolescents with suicidal attempt admitted in Bal Chikitsalya of a Government medical college, Udaipur during a period of 1 year. Fifty-five adolescents and their parents were interviewed by the HEADSS (Home, Education, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/Depression) screening questionnaire after stabilization and before discharge from the hospital. Six sick adolescents who died after hospitalization were excluded from the study. Socio-demographic profile, method of suicidal attempt was noted. Various stressors present in six life domains were noted. Results: Minimum age of child who presented with suicidal attempt was 12 years. Most common method of suicidal attempt was organophosphate poisoning (23.6%), followed by rat poison ingestion (12.7%). There was difference in perception of stressors by parents and adolescents. 58.2% of adolescents perceived some stress at home, 49% of adolescents perceived some stress related to school and education, 45.5% of adolescents/stress related to activity domain, 38.2% of adolescents reported drug/substance use, 41.9% of adolescents reported stressor related to sexuality domain. Previous suicidal attempt and low mood was reported by 32.7% of adolescents. Conclusion: Parents were unaware of various stressors in six HEADSS domains of life of adolescents especially in sexuality domain.

Keywords

• Domain, HEADSS, Suicide.