| Abstract: | Background: Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Asia and causing significant economic losses to society. Suicide rates in Asia specifically Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and China have risen significantly in the last few years at historically high levels. Suicidal behavior exists along a continuum from thinking about suicide, to making a plan, to attempting suicide, to successful fatal suicide. This study examines the prevalence of suicidal behavior and risk factors for suicide among Mongolian high school students.
Method: In 2010, the Mongolian Ministry of Health and the Public Health Institute conducted the first nationwide GSHS in Mongolia. The data from the Mongolian Global School Health Survey were collected from a representative sample of 5238 Mongolian high school students during 2010. A standardized questionnaire developed by the WHO was used. Suicidal behavior was measured by 3 variables- suicide ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt. Potential risk for suicidal behavior in the questionnaire was classified into three factors (suicide ideation, developing a plan, and attempting suicide) categories. Data were analyzed by SPSS 15.
Result: Overall, 19.8 % had suicide ideation at some point, 12.8% had made a plan, and 8.7% of students had attempted suicide one or more times in 12 months preceding the survey. Gender significantly predicted students’ suicidal behavior. Females were more likely to have suicidal behavior than males. Among the psychological factors, number of close friends, feelings of loneliness, couldn’t sleep, body figure (underweight or overweight), fear for personal safety sometimes is resulting in carrying a weapon all significantly predicted students’ suicidal behavior. Among the family and school factors, missing school without permission, being bullied and going hungry significantly predicted students’ suicidal behavior.
Conclusion: The Majority of the factors are preventable. Schools are emphasized as being the best location within which students suicide prevention programs should be implemented due to the time students spend there. More importantly, schools have to identify and offer students who may be at risk and thereupon off risk specific counseling and guidance for them through periodical surveillance. |
