Psychosocial Correlates of Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents under Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aguascalientes, Mexico: A Cross-Sectional Population Survey

Alicia Edith Hermosillo- de-la-Torre, Stephania Montserrat Arteaga- de-Luna, Denise Liliana Acevedo-Rojas, Angélica Juárez-Loya, José Alberto Jiménez-Tapia, Francisco Javier Pedroza-Cabrera, Catalina González-Forteza, Manuel Cano and Fernando A. Wagner
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Alicia Edith Hermosillo- de-la-Torre: Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes [Autonomous University of Aguascalientes], Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico
Stephania Montserrat Arteaga- de-Luna: Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes [Autonomous University of Aguascalientes], Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico
Denise Liliana Acevedo-Rojas: Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes [Autonomous University of Aguascalientes], Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico
Angélica Juárez-Loya: Clinical and Health Psychology Department, Psychology Faculty, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
José Alberto Jiménez-Tapia: Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría [National Institute of Psychiatry], Tlalpan 14370, Mexico
Francisco Javier Pedroza-Cabrera: Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes [Autonomous University of Aguascalientes], Aguascalientes 20131, Mexico
Catalina González-Forteza: Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría [National Institute of Psychiatry], Tlalpan 14370, Mexico
Manuel Cano: Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Fernando A. Wagner: School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: Background : Suicide and suicidal behaviors were already a global public health problem, producing preventable injuries and deaths. This issue may worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic and may differentially affect vulnerable groups in the population, including children, adolescents, and young adults. The current study evaluated the association of affective variables (depression, hopelessness, and anxiety), drug use (alcohol, tobacco, and others), emotional intelligence, and attachment with suicidal behaviors. Methods : A state-wide survey included 8033 students (51% female, 49% male; mean age of 16 years) from science and technology high-schools using a standardized questionnaire that was distributed online. Multinomial logistic regression models tested associations between suicidal behaviors and several covariates. The analyses accommodated the complex structure of the sample. Results : Approximately 21% of all students reported a suicidal behavior (11% with a low-lethality suicide attempt, 6% with self-injuries, and 4% with a high-lethality suicide attempt). Variables associated with higher odds of suicidal behavior included: female sex, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, alcohol and tobacco use, childhood trauma, and having to self-rely as issues affecting attachment, and low self-esteem. Security of attachment was associated with lower odds of suicidal behavior. Conclusions : The complexity of suicidal behavior makes it clear that comprehensive programs need to be implemented.

Keywords: adolescents; suicidal behavior; psychosocial correlates; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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