Quality of life, depressive symptoms, suicidal behavior and social support among pregnant adolescents in Mexico

Abstract

Background Suicidal behavior in adolescents is a public health problem. Although it has been reported that there is a link between suicidal behavior and Quality of life (QoL), this relationship has not been explored in pregnant adolescents, nor have depressive symptoms been examined as mediators and social support as a moderator in a moderated mediation model. Methods In 2021, 143 pregnant adolescents between 13 and 19 years old from different states in Mexico were evaluated. The KIDSCREEN-52 instrument was applied to evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life, the scale of expectation of living and dying of Okasha, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, the family and partner support scale (AFA-R) and sociodemographic information. Moderated mediation analyses were completed. Results A relationship between QoL and suicidal behavior was found, and that relationship was mediated by depressive symptoms on all eighteen models. In addition, social support from the family moderated the mediation of depressive symptoms in 4 of 9 QoL dimensions, and social support from the partner moderated the mediating effect of depressive symptoms in 8 of 9 QoL dimensions. Conclusion The relationship between QoL and suicidal behavior was consistent with previous studies. The moderating role of social support and the mediation of depressive symptoms on the relationship between QoL and suicidal behavior were also consistent with the literature. Professionals who work with pregnant adolescents should consider both depressive symptoms and social support as important factors that influence QoL and suicidal behaviors.