Prevalence of risk factors among adolescents who attempted suicide: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the prevalence of risk factors among adolescents treated at an emergency department due to suicide attempt. Method: A cross-sectional, documentary, and retrospective study, conducted through the analysis of medical records of adolescents treated at an emergency department in a Brazilian teaching hospital from January 2015 to May 2023. Risk factors were divided into behavioral, health, violence, conflict, and stress. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: A total of 140 adolescent medical records were analyzed. Family conflicts (47.8%), previous suicide attempt (47.1%) and self-harm (30.7%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Risk factors were associated with age, sex, race, education, previous mental disorder and use of psychotropic medication (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of risk factors for suicide attempt in adolescents was observed, which was associated with sociodemographic characteristics. It is expected that this study will promote reflections on the translation of Brazilian public policies into care, especially in health promotion, with interventions that aim to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors.