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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Non-fatal suicidal behaviour in rural Ethiopia: a cross-sectional facility- and population-based study

Authors: Abebaw Fekadu, Girmay Medhin, Medhin Selamu, Tsion Shiferaw, Maji Hailemariam, Sujit D Rathod, Mark Jordans, Solomon Teferra, Crick Lund, Erica Breuer, Martin Prince, Tedla W. Giorgis, Atalay Alem, Charlotte Hanlon

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

Injury related to self-harm is one of the leading causes of global disease burden. As a formative work for a programme to implement comprehensive mental healthcare in a rural district in Ethiopia, we determined the 12-month prevalence of non-fatal suicidal behaviour as well as factors associated with this behaviour to understand the potential burden of the behaviour in the district.

Method

Population-based (n = 1485) and facility-based (n = 1014) cross-sectional surveys of adults, using standardised, interview-based measures for suicidality (items on suicide from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview), depressive symptoms (the Patient Health Questionnaire) and alcohol use disorders (Alcohol Use Disorder Investigation Test; AUDIT).

Results

The overall 12-month prevalence of non-fatal suicidal behaviour, consisting of suicidal ideation, plan and attempt, was 7.9 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = 6.8 % to 8.9 %). The prevalence was significantly higher in the facility sample (10.3 %) compared with the community sample (6.3 %). The 12-month prevalence of suicide attempt was 4.4 % (95 % CI = 3.6 % to 5.3 %), non-significantly higher among the facility sample (5.4 %) compared with the community sample (3.8 %). Over half of those with suicidal ideation (56.4 %) transitioned from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt. Younger age, harmful use of alcohol and higher depression scores were associated significantly with increased non-fatal suicidal behaviours. The only factor associated with transition from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt was high depression score. Only 10.5 % of the sample with suicidal ideation had received any treatment for their suicidal behaviour: 10.8 % of the community sample and 10.2 % of the facility sample. Although help seeking increased with progression from ideation to attempt, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Non-fatal suicidal behaviour is an important public health problem in this rural district. A more in-depth understanding of the context of the occurrence of the behaviour, improving access to care and targeting depression and alcohol use disorder are important next steps. The role of other psychosocial factors should also be explored to assist the provision of holistic care.

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Title: Non-fatal suicidal behaviour in rural Ethiopia: a cross-sectional facility- and population-based study
Authors: Abebaw Fekadu
Girmay Medhin
Medhin Selamu
Tsion Shiferaw
Maji Hailemariam
Sujit D Rathod
Mark Jordans
Solomon Teferra
Crick Lund
Erica Breuer
Martin Prince
Tedla W. Giorgis
Atalay Alem
Charlotte Hanlon
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0784-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Non-fatal suicidal behaviour in rural Ethiopia: a cross-sectional facility- and population-based study

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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