Prevalence and associated factors of suicidality in Japanese adolescents: results from a population-based questionnaire survey

BMC Pediatrics

Yoriko Kobayashi¹  Zentaro Yamagata²  Michiko Matsuoka³  Ryuta Ishii⁴  Shinichiro Nagamitsu⁴  Yushiro Yamashita⁴  Masakazu Mimaki⁵  Natsuko Tokita⁶  Paul E. Croarkin⁷  Ritsuko Hattori⁸  Kenshi Koyanagi⁹  Takashi Igarashi^1,10 

[1] Clinic of International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan;Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan;Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan;Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi Kurume, 830-0011, Fukuoka, Japan;Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan;Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan;Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA;Faculty of Health Science Naragakuen University, Nara, Japan;Nagasaki Prefectural Center of Medicine and Welfare for Children, Isahaya, Japan;National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan;

关键词: Suicide attempts;    Adolescent;    Child;    Suicidal ideation;    Cyberbullying;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12887-020-02362-9

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundSuicide is the leading cause of death among Japanese adolescents. However, knowledge gaps regarding contemporary demographics and factors associated with suicidality among Japanese adolescents are a major concern. This study examined the prevalence of suicidality among Japanese adolescents and investigated associated factors.MethodsA population-based questionnaire survey investigating general health was administered to 22,419 adolescents aged 13–18 years. The 29-item questionnaire covered emotional status, family function, cyberbullying, suicidality, and stressors (e.g., relationships with parents/friends, school performance, and sexual identity). We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with suicidality in this population.ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal ideation was 21.6% in males and 28.5% in females, and that of attempted suicide was 3.5% in males and 6.6% and in females. Bullying and stress related to family relationships had the strongest associations with suicidality. Exposure to cyberbullying had the highest odds ratio for both junior high (3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1–4.4) and high school students (3.6, 95% CI 2.5–5.3). Other factors significantly associated with suicidality were sex, emotional status, and stress about relationships with friends, sexual identity, school records, and academic course. Adolescents accessed a variety of resources to cope with stressors, with the Internet being the most common resource consulted.ConclusionsSuicidality is commonly experienced among Japanese adolescents. Although there are many associated risk factors, cyberbullying is of particular concern. Recognition of factors associated with adolescent suicidality will inform further research and suicide prevention efforts for healthcare providers and families.

【 授权许可】

CC BY