Research Article

The relationship between suicide attempt and smoking, alcohol and substance use and psychosocial characteristics in adolescents

Volume: 42 Number: 1 May 20, 2020
TR EN

The relationship between suicide attempt and smoking, alcohol and substance use and psychosocial characteristics in adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Our study mainly aims to identify the relationship between suicidal behavior and psychosocial factors, and smoking, alcohol and substance use habits. 
Method: The study group consisted of 188 adolescents aged 13-18, who applied to Pediatric Emergency Outpatient Clinic due to suicide attempt between November 2011 and December 2012, and a control group of 142 adolescents who applied to the outpatient clinics. The Demographic Questionnaire Form and Substance Use Form employed in the study was applied to all the cases by the researcher. The cases were also asked to complete a Beck Depression Inventory.
Results: In this study, 83.2% of the suicide attempt cases consisted of girls and the mean age was 15.5 years. It was determined that, in relation to the control group, the educational life period of those who attempted suicide was shorter (p=0.002), they more frequently come from a divorced family (p=0.02), their parents have a lower level of education (p=0,015; p=0,04, respectively), and their parents more frequently use cigarette and alcohol. Use of cigarette among those who attempted suicide was ascertained to be at a high level, which was significant in relation to the control group (p=0.001). Though use of alcohol and substance among those who attempted suicide were determined to be at a higher level in relation to the control group, it was not significant statistically. In cases with repeated suicide attempts, the use of cigarette, alcohol and substance was found to be increased evidently. Depression scale points of those who attempted suicide were significantly higher than that of the control group (p=0.001)
Conclusions: It was found that various factors play a role on suicidal behavior among adolescents. In addition to demographic factors such as gender, education level, family structure, family characteristics and parents' educational level, previous suicide attempt, smoking, alcohol and substance use, depressive mood were also found to be closely correlated with suicidal behavior. Further studies on determinants of suicidal behavior and determination of risk factors will guide professionals working on this subject to foresee suicide attempts.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Health Care Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Fatma İnci Arıkan
0000-0002-9139-2737
Türkiye

Publication Date

May 20, 2020

Submission Date

April 15, 2019

Acceptance Date

April 29, 2020

Published in Issue

Year 2020 Volume: 42 Number: 1

AMA
1.Bagrul D, Arıkan Fİ. The relationship between suicide attempt and smoking, alcohol and substance use and psychosocial characteristics in adolescents. CMJ. 2020;42(1):71-78. doi:10.7197/cmj.vi.553903

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