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Sexual abuse and substance abuse increase risk of suicidal behavior in M alaysian youth
Author(s) -
Chan Lai Fong,
Maniam T.,
Saini Suriati Mohamed,
Shah Shamsul Azhar,
Loh Sit Fong,
Sinniah Aishvarya,
Idris Zawaha Haji,
Che Rus Sulaiman,
Hassan Nudin Siti Sa'adiah,
Tan Susan Mooi Koon
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
asia‐pacific psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1758-5872
pISSN - 1758-5864
DOI - 10.1111/appy.12057
Subject(s) - suicidal ideation , medicine , substance abuse , sexual abuse , odds ratio , psychiatry , suicide prevention , poison control , demography , injury prevention , clinical psychology , environmental health , sociology
The aim of this study was to determine the association between sexual abuse, substance abuse and socio‐demographic factors with suicidal ideation ( SI ), plans ( SP ) and deliberate self‐harm ( DSH ) and propose steps to prevent youth suicidal behavior. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study of 6786 adolescents aged 17–18 years, selected randomly from all Malaysian adolescents to undergo compulsory youth camps located in Selangor, Malaysia (2008–2009). Participants were assessed using self‐administered questionnaires developed to reflect the local cultural setting. However, only 4581 subjects were analyzed after excluding incomplete data. Results The rates of SI , SP and DSH were 7.6%, 3.2% and 6.3%, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio showed that sexual abuse was associated with SI 1.99 (95% CI : 1.56–2.55), SP 1.57 (95% CI : 1.09–2.27) and DSH 2.26 (95% CI : 1.75–2.94); illicit drug use was associated with SI 4.05 (95% CI : 2.14–7.67), SP 2.62 (95% CI : 1.05–6.53) and DSH 2.06, (95% CI : 1.05–4.04); for alcohol use DSH was 1.34 (95% CI : 1.00–1.79). Being female was associated with all suicidal behaviors: SI 2.51 (95% CI : 1.91–3.30), SP 2.07 (95% CI : 1.39–3.08) and DSH 1.59 (95% CI : 1.19–2.11). Discussion Given the well‐founded concern of increasing risk of suicidal behavior among youth, preventive efforts should adopt a more comprehensive approach in dealing with sexual abuse and substance abuse, and their sequelae, especially in girls.