Suicidal Behaviours among School-Going Adolescents in Saint Lucia: Prevalence, Risks and Protective Factors

Abstract

Abstract Background Suicide poses a debilitating threat to various aspects of adolescents’ lives worldwide. Although suicide prevention efforts are evident globally through the upsurge of literature on this subject matter, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviours among school-going adolescents in Saint Lucia. Methods Authors data set from the Global School-based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence, predisposing and protective factors of suicidal behaviours among 1,864 students from schools in Saint Lucia. Results We found a prevalence of 25.5%, 22.1%, and 17.5% for suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and suicidal attempt, respectively. After adjusting for other factors, we found that being a male and having understanding parents were protective of suicidal behaviours. However, suicidal ideation was predicted by being physically attacked, bullied, parental/guidance tobacco use, loneliness, and worrying. Also, being a victim of physical attack and bullying, having close friends, being lonely, and worrying were predictive of making suicidal plans among adolescents. The risk of attempting suicide was predicted by cigarette smoking, current use of tobacco and related products, bullying, having close friends, being lonely, and worrying. Conclusion The findings of this study posit the need for school-based interventions to help address triggers of suicidal behaviours among adolescents in Saint Lucia to attain the global Sustainable Development Goals targets of suicide prevention.