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Miao S, Xu L, Gao S, Bai C, Huang Y, Peng B. Internet addiction and suicidal ideation in Chinese children with migrant parents: Mediating role of anxiety and moderating role of social support. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 248:104427. [PMID: 39053052 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of internet addiction among Chinese left-behind children, coupled with its potential to exacerbate anxiety and suicidal ideation, has become a critical issue. This study seeks to address the dearth of research on the psychological underpinnings of this phenomenon, particularly the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating effect of social support across different parental migration statuses. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions and informing policy decisions. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, we administered Young's Internet Addiction Test, alongside scales for anxiety, social support, and suicidal ideation, to 2882 middle school students in China with diverse parental migration backgrounds. Utilizing an online survey approach, we ensured broad participation and participant anonymity. Advanced statistical analyses, including regression models for mediation and moderation effects, were employed to rigorously test our hypotheses. RESULTS Among all participants, a significant positive correlation was observed between Internet addiction and suicidal ideation. Anxiety mediated the relationship between Internet addiction and suicidal ideation across all groups, including those with mother-only migration (Effect = 0.383, 95%CI: 0.107,0.943), father-only migration (Effect = 0.806, 95%CI: 0.487-1.230), both-parent migration(Effect = 0.289, 95%CI: 0.105-0.521), and non-left-behind children (Effect = 0.469, 95%CI: 0.342-0.630). Particularly in families where only the mother was absent, the moderating role of social support was especially prominent (B = 1.174, t = 6.446, p < 0.001 for low social support), underscoring the importance of family structure in the context of Internet addiction. CONCLUSION Internet addiction has both direct and indirect effects on suicidal ideation, with anxiety playing a mediating role in the indirect effects. Social support moderates and alleviates the relationship between Internet addiction and anxiety specifically in the mother-only migration group. Therefore, clarifying these relationships helps in developing and implementing effective interventions to specifically improve the mental health and living conditions of left-behind children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Miao
- Centre for Medical Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Southwest Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Sihong Gao
- Chongqing Fuling District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 408000, China
| | - Cuiping Bai
- Xiushan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 409900, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400021, China.
| | - Bin Peng
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Cain SM, Rooney EA, Cacace S, Post A, Russell K, Rasmussen S, Baker JC, Cramer RJ. Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences among adults in the United Kingdom: a latent class analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2052. [PMID: 39080601 PMCID: PMC11290251 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are important factors for population mental and physical health. While considerable public health literature demonstrates the global relevance of ACEs, more recent research shows that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) might be important to consider in their direct and mitigating roles for psychological distress and other mental health outcomes. There is little evidence of latent class examinations involving both ACEs and BCEs among adults in western nations. The present study sought to replicate and extend prior literature by: (1) assessing the extent to which past latent class groupings reproduce in present samples, and (2) analyzing the association of latent classes of childhood experiences with psychological distress and suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs). We examined psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, general wellbeing) and STBs (i.e., suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation and behaviour, entrapment, and defeat). METHOD Data were drawn from two nationwide cross-sectional online survey studies in the United Kingdom. The first sample (N = 488) was drawn from a study on suicidal behaviour, and the second sample (N = 447) was from a study concerning risk for interpersonal violence. RESULTS Results largely replicated an existing four class solution of childhood experiences: Class 1 (Moderate ACEs/High BCEs; 17.6%), Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 15.3%), Class 3 (Low ACEs/High BCEs; 48.3%), and Class 4 (Low ACEs/Moderate BCEs; 18.8%). Class 2 (High ACEs/Moderate BCEs) was associated with consistently worse psychological distress and STBs. Classes containing high BCEs (1 and 3) were characterized by generally lower levels of psychological distress and STBs. CONCLUSIONS Results affirm the potential value for jointly considering ACEs and BCEs to understand psychological distress and STBs. ACEs and BCEs may serve foundational roles in theories of suicide. The protective role of BCEs hypothesized in resiliency theory may be supported. Prevention practice and research implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M Cain
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
- Violence Prevention Center, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
| | - Emily A Rooney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1670 Upham Drive 1st Floor, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Samantha Cacace
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
- Violence Prevention Center, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
| | - Abigail Post
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
- Violence Prevention Center, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA
| | - Kirsten Russell
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow, G11QE, UK
| | - Susan Rasmussen
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow, G11QE, UK
| | - Justin C Baker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 1670 Upham Drive 1st Floor, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Robert J Cramer
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA.
- Violence Prevention Center, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28227, USA.
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Zheng D, Qin Q, Peng Y, Zhong H, Huang Y, Wang H, Tan Q, Li Y. Pre-COVID-19 short sleep duration and eveningness chronotype are associated with incident suicidal ideation during COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: a retrospective cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1406396. [PMID: 39109162 PMCID: PMC11300336 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1406396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cross-sectional evidence suggests that sleep problems increased the risk of suicide during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a lack of longitudinal studies examined the relationship between pre-COVID-19 sleep duration, chronotype and incident suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we examined these associations in a longitudinal study of medical students. Methods From the Shantou College Student Sleep Cohort, a total of 333 first and second grade medical students (age 19.41 ± 0.82 years, female 61.26%), without suicidal ideation (SI) at pre-COVID-19 period, were followed up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incident SI was defined by their response to the 9th question from the Beck Depression Inventory. Short sleep duration was defined as less than 7 h/night. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was used to evaluate the participants' chronotype. Logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used to examine the association between sleep and SI. Results The incidence of SI during the COVID-19 pandemic was 5.71%. Logistic regressions with confounding factors adjustment showed that both short sleep duration (AOR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.16-20.74) and eveningness (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.08-13.30) in the pre-COVID-19 period were associated with increased risk of incident SI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Pre-COVID-19 short sleep duration and eveningness predict incident SI during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students. Prolonging sleep duration may help to decrease SI during major public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zheng
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Mental Health Center of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Faculty of Medicine of University of Manitoba Joint Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingsong Qin
- Laboratory of Human Virology and Oncology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingyin Peng
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Zhong
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yerui Huang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiqing Tan
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Mental Health Center of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Sleep Medicine Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Faculty of Medicine of University of Manitoba Joint Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Lee JK, Lee J, Chung MK, Shin T, Park JY, Lee KJ, Lim HS, Hwang S, Urtnasan E, Jo Y, Kim MH. Childhood adversity and suicidal ideation in older Korean adults: unraveling the mediating mechanisms of mental health, physical health, and social relationships. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:485. [PMID: 38956575 PMCID: PMC11221153 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05919-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates in older adults are much higher than those in younger age groups. Given the rapid increase in the proportion of older adults in Korea and the high suicide rate of this age group, it is worth investigating the mechanism of suicidal ideation for older adults. Generally, adverse childhood experiences are positively associated with suicidal ideation; however, it is not fully understood what mediating relationships are linked to the association between these experiences and current suicidal ideation. METHODS The data from 685 older Korean adults were analyzed utilizing logistic regression, path analyses, and structural equation modeling. Based on our theoretical background and the empirical findings of previous research, we examined three separate models with mental health, physical health, and social relationship mediators. After that, we tested a combined model including all mediators. We also tested another combined model with mediation via mental health moderated by physical health and social relationships. RESULTS The univariate logistic regression results indicated that childhood adversity was positively associated with suicidal ideation in older adults. However, multivariate logistic regression results demonstrated that the direct effect of childhood adversity became nonsignificant after accounting all variables. Three path models presented significant mediation by depression and social support in the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation. However, combined structural equation models demonstrated that only mediation by a latent variable of mental health problems was statistically significant. Social relationships moderated the path from mental health problems to suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Despite several limitations, this study has clinical implications for the development of effective strategies to mitigate suicidal ideation. In particular, effectively screening the exposure to adverse childhood experiences, early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms can play a crucial role in weakening the association between childhood adversity and suicidal ideation in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Kyung Lee
- Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Kwon Chung
- Institute for Poverty Alleviation and International Development, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Global Public Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeksoo Shin
- Department of Business Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Social Welfare, Sangji University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Joung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Sang Lim
- Department of Computer & Telecommunications Engineering, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangwon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Erdenebayar Urtnasan
- Artificial Intelligence Bigdata Medical Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongmie Jo
- Department of Global Public Administration, Yonsei University, Mirae Campus, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
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Ward-Smith C, Sorsdahl K, van der Westhuizen C. An investigation into symptoms of depression and anxiety and emotion regulation among older adolescents from low-income settings in South Africa. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 132:152476. [PMID: 38552349 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health conditions (MHC) among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, are estimated to be high. Adaptive emotion regulation (ER) skills can protect against MHC among adolescents. In South Africa, there is limited adolescent mental health prevalence data as well as little understanding of the associations between MHC and ER among adolescents. This study aimed to address these gaps by describing the psychosocial characteristics of older South African adolescents from low-income settings as well as investigating associations between depression and anxiety symptoms and ER. METHODS We selected 12 schools in collaboration with two NGOs. Learners aged 15-18-years were recruited to complete a tablet-based survey. ER, depression, anxiety, and other psychosocial measures were included. Two multiple linear regression models were used to determine associations between depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, other psychosocial factors, and ER. RESULTS Of the 733 participants from 12 Western Cape schools, 417 (56.90%) screened at risk for clinically significant anxiety symptoms, 423 (57.70%) participants for depression symptoms, 229 (31.40%) participants for PTSD symptoms and 263 (35.90%) for risky alcohol use. Depression and anxiety scores were found to be significantly positively correlated with ER difficulties and adolescents struggled most with identifying and utilizing adaptive ER strategies. The adjusted linear regression model reported that female gender, clinically significant depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms and risky-alcohol use were all significantly associated with poorer ER scores, while self-esteem was significantly associated with better ER scores. CONCLUSION These findings contribute to the South African adolescent mental health literature and to the research gap on the links between depression and anxiety and ER. Future research should consider further exploration of the relationships between psychosocial factors and ER to inform the urgent development and testing of appropriate adolescent interventions in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ward-Smith
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - K Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C van der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Satinsky EN, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Cooper-Vince CE, Rasmussen JD, Ashaba S, Perkins JM, Ahereza P, Ayebare P, Kim AW, Puffer ES, Tsai AC. Caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline of children in rural Uganda. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2024; 39:861-874. [PMID: 38962696 PMCID: PMC11218336 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Physically harsh discipline is associated with poor developmental outcomes among children. These practices are more prevalent in areas experiencing poverty and resource scarcity, including in low- and middle-income countries. Designed to limit social desirability bias, this cross-sectional study in rural Uganda estimated caregiver preferences for physically harsh discipline; differences by caregiver sex, child sex, and setting; and associations with indicators of household economic stress and insecurity. Method Three-hundred-fifty adult caregivers were shown six hypothetical pictographic scenarios depicting children whining, spilling a drink, and kicking a caregiver. Girls and boys were depicted engaging in each of the three behaviors. Approximately half of the participants were shown scenes from a market setting and half were shown scenes from a household setting. For each scenario, caregivers reported the discipline strategy they would use (time out, beating, discussing, yelling, ignoring, slapping). Results Two thirds of the participants selected a physically harsh discipline strategy (beating, slapping) at least once. Women selected more physically harsh discipline strategies than men (b = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 0.54). Participants shown scenes from the market selected fewer physically harsh discipline strategies than participants shown scenes from the household (b = -0.51; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.33). Finally, caregivers selected more physically harsh discipline strategies in response to boys than girls. Indicators of economic insecurity were inconsistently associated with preferences for physically harsh discipline. Conclusions The high prevalence of physically harsh discipline preferences warrant interventions aimed at reframing caregivers' approaches to discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Phionah Ahereza
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew W. Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eve S. Puffer
- Department of Psychology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexander C. Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Fakhar M, Montazeri M, Nakhaei M, Soleymani M, Zakariaei Z, Abbasi A, Solaymani E. Potential Association Between Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Suicide Attempts: A Case-Control Registry-Based Study. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024; 21:360-365. [PMID: 38568136 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan that may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The purpose of this case-control registry-based study was to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii infection and related risk factors among subjects who attempted suicide by drug use and a control group at the Iranian National Registry Center for Toxoplasmosis in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Baseline data were collected from participants using a questionnaire, and a blood sample was taken from each individual. The plasma was prepared for serological analysis, whereas the buffy coat was used for molecular analysis. Out of 282 individuals (147 cases with suicide attempters [SA] and 135 controls), 42.9% of patients and 16.3% of control subjects were positive for anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobin G (IgG), but all participants were negative for T. gondii DNA and anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobin M. Based on multiple logistic regressions, IgG seropositivity in SA in the age group of 20-30 years was 3.22 times higher than that in the control group (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that latent T. gondii infection among SA is significantly higher than that in healthy individuals, indicating a potential association between latent toxoplasmosis and SA at least in the studied area. Further research is needed to shed light on the potential association between T. gondii and suicide among different populations and areas of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Fakhar
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nakhaei
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mostafa Soleymani
- Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zakaria Zakariaei
- Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Division, Mazandaran Registry Center for Opioids Poisoning, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Centers, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Abbasi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Eissa Solaymani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Mkhize M, van der Westhuizen C, Sorsdahl K. Prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 131:152469. [PMID: 38461564 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Between 10 and 20% of children and adolescents globally experience common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. Given the dearth of mental health services in low- and middle-income countries, most mental health conditions among adolescents remain undiagnosed and untreated. In South Africa, few studies have explored the prevalence of depression and anxiety among young adolescents aged 10-14 years. This study examined the prevalence of, and factors associated with depression and anxiety among young school-going adolescents in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 schools in the Western Cape Province from February to July 2022. Data were collected using a tablet-based survey and included sociodemographic items, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and other psychosocial measures. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was estimated based on cut-off scores for the GAD-7 and PHQ-A. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, and depression and anxiety. RESULTS Of the 621 adolescents, 33.5% (n = 208) reported experiencing symptoms of depression and 20.9% (n = 130) symptoms of anxiety potentially indicative of a diagnosis. The results of the multivariable logistic regression model indicate that being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.65, CI:1.43-1.92), any lifetime alcohol use (AOR = 1.62, CI:1.04-2.64), other drug use (AOR = 2.07, CI:1.06-4.04), and witnessing violence among adults at home (AOR = 2.12, CI:1.07-1.41) were significantly associated with experiencing depressive symptoms. Being in a higher grade in school (AOR = 1.69, CI: 1.42-2.01), poor emotional regulation skills (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07), and the use of cannabis (AOR = 1.03, CI: 1.00-1.07) were significantly associated with experiencing anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION These findings add to our understanding of school-going adolescents' pressing mental health needs and suggest that mental health adolescent and caregiver interventions may be required to address mental health symptoms and associated risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirriam Mkhize
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Claire van der Westhuizen
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Sorsdahl
- Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Brown C, Nkemjika S, Ratto J, Dube SR, Gilbert L, Chiang L, Picchetti V, Coomer R, Kambona C, McOwen J, Akani B, Kamagate MF, Low A, Manuel P, Agusto A, Annor FB. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Associations with Mental Health, Substance Use, and Violence Perpetration among Young Adults in sub-Saharan Africa. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106524. [PMID: 38854869 PMCID: PMC11160582 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have debilitating effects on child well-being, with consequences persisting into adulthood. Most ACE studies have been conducted in high-income countries and show a graded relationship between multiple ACE exposures and adverse health outcomes. Less is known about the types and burden of ACEs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Objective To estimate the pooled prevalence of six individual and cumulative ACE exposures (physical, sexual, and emotional violence; orphanhood; witnessing interparental and community violence) and assess their association with mental health outcomes, substance use, and violence perpetration among young adults in SSA. Participants and setting Aggregate data from the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) in Cote d'Ivoire 2018, Kenya 2019, Lesotho 2018, Mozambique 2019, and Namibia 2019 included a sample of 11,498 young adults aged 18-24 years. Methods Cumulative ACEs were defined by an integer count of the total number of individual ACEs (0 to 6). Weighted prevalence and adjusted odds ratios were estimated. Result ACEs prevalence ranged from 7.8% (emotional violence) to 55.0% (witnessing community violence). Strong graded relationships between cumulative ACE exposure and all study outcomes for both males and females were observed. Among females, witnessing interparental violence was the only individual ACE risk factor significantly associated with increased odds of substance use; among males, emotional violence was significantly associated with all outcomes. Conclusion ACEs are associated with adverse mental health, substance use, and violence perpetration in SSA. Gender-specific and culturally sensitive intervention strategies are needed to effectively mitigate ACEs in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colvette Brown
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Stanley Nkemjika
- Department of Psychiatry, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Ratto
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shanta R. Dube
- Levine College of Health Sciences, Wingate University, Wingate, North Carolina
| | - Leah Gilbert
- National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Laura Chiang
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Viani Picchetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Namibia
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya
| | - Jordan McOwen
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | - Bangaman Akani
- Department of Public Health, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire
| | - Maman Fathim Kamagate
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cote d’ Ivoire
| | - Andrea Low
- International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Program (ICAP)at Columbia University, NY
| | - Pedro Manuel
- Division of Global Health HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | | | - Francis B. Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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Perry Mohling EW, Recinos M, Kwiringira JN, Phung E, Olwit C, Swahn MH, Massetti G, Self-Brown S. Adverse childhood experiences, mental distress, self-harm and suicidality, and cumulative HIV risk by sex in Lesotho. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106701. [PMID: 38402043 PMCID: PMC11238702 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been understudied in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES, PARTICIPANTS, SETTING We explored associations between mental distress, self-harm or suicidality, and HIV risk and individual and cumulative ACEs (sexual, emotional, and physical violence; witnessing community and interparental violence; orphanhood) among youth aged 13-24 in Lesotho. METHODS Multivariable logistic regressions stratified by sex using nationally representative 2018 Lesotho Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (nfemale = 7101; nmale = 1467) data. RESULTS Over 75 % of males and females experienced at least 1 ACE. Among males, physical and community violence were significantly associated with mental distress; orphan status and emotional violence was associated with self-harm/suicidality. Males who witnessed interparental violence had higher odds of disclosing 2 types and 3 or more types of HIV risk versus none. Among females, being a double orphan and having experienced sexual, emotional, physical, community, and interparental violence were significantly associated with mental distress and any self-harm/suicidality in both models. Females who experienced physical violence had higher odds of disclosing 3 or more risk types versus no risk. Statistically significant associations emerged between cumulative ACEs and mental distress, self-harm/suicidality, and higher levels of HIV risk for both males and females. CONCLUSIONS Differential patterns of associations between ACEs and mental health problems and HIV risk emerged by sex. Scalable, integrated individual and community efforts to prevent ACEs, provide mental health supports, and encourage safer sexual behaviors among those exposed are needed and could benefit youth in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Perry Mohling
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Manderley Recinos
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Erick Phung
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Connie Olwit
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monica H Swahn
- WellStar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Greta Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Ghadipasha M, Talaie R, Mahmoodi Z, Karimi SE, Forouzesh M, Morsalpour M, Mahdavi SA, Mousavi SS, Ashrafiesfahani S, Kordrostami R, Dadashzadehasl N. Spatial, geographic, and demographic factors associated with adolescent and youth suicide: a systematic review study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1261621. [PMID: 38404471 PMCID: PMC10893588 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1261621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide is a public health issue and a main cause of mortality among adolescents and the youth worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Objectives The present research is a systematic review aiming to investigate the spatial, geographical, and demographic factors related to suicide among adolescents and the youth. Methods In this systematic review, two researchers examined PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases on December 7th, 2022 with no time limits from the beginning of publication until 2022 to identify the primary studies on spatial and geographic analysis on adolescent and youth suicides. Once duplicate studies were identified and removed, the titles and abstracts of studies were examined and irrelevant studies were also removed. Finally, 22 studies were reviewed based on the inclusion criteria. Results Our findings show that suicide rates are generally higher among men, residents of rural and less densely populated regions, coastal and mountainous regions, natives, 15-29 age group, less privileged populations with social fragmentation, unemployed, divorced or lonely people, those who live in single parent families, people with mental health issues, and those with low levels of education. Conclusions Stronger evidence supports the effects of geographic and demographic variables on youth and adolescent suicide rates as compared with spatial variables. These findings suggest that policy makers take spatial and demographic factors into consideration when health systems allocate resources for suicide prevention, and that national policymakers integrate demographic and geographic variables into health service programs. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023430994.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Ghadipasha
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Talaie
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mahmoodi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Salah Eddin Karimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Forouzesh
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Morsalpour
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Roya Kordrostami
- Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Scharpf F, Masath FB, Mkinga G, Kyaruzi E, Nkuba M, Machumu M, Hecker T. Prevalence of suicidality and associated factors of suicide risk in a representative community sample of families in three East African refugee camps. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:245-259. [PMID: 37277656 PMCID: PMC10838827 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02506-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the prevalence of suicidality and associated factors of suicide risk in a sample of Burundian refugee families living in three refugee camps in Tanzania. METHODS Children (n = 230) and their parents (n = 460) were randomly selected and interviewed about suicidality (suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts) and a range of sociodemographic, psychological, and environmental factors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with children and parents' lower and moderate or high current suicide risk. RESULTS Past-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 11.3%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively, among children; 37.4%, 7.4% and 5.2%, respectively, among mothers; and 29.6%, 4.8% and 1.7%, respectively, among fathers. Older age in years (aORlower = 2.20, 95% CI 1.38-3.51; aORmoderate/high = 3.03, 95% CI 1.15-7.99) and higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (aORlower = 1.64, 95% CI 1.05-2.57; aORmoderate/high = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.02-5.16), internalizing (aORmoderate/high = 2.88, 95% CI 1.33-6.26) and externalizing problems (aORlower = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.06-2.31; aORmoderate/high = 3.03, 95% CI 1.42-6.49) were significantly positively associated with children's current suicide risk. For mothers, higher perceived instrumental social support (aORmoderate/high = 0.05, 95% CI < 0.01-0.58) was significantly negatively related to suicide risk, whereas exposure to community violence (aORlower = 1.97, 95% CI 1.30-2.99; aORmoderate/high = 1.59, 95% CI 1.00-2.52), living in larger households (aORlower = 1.74, 95% CI 1.17-2.57), and higher psychological distress (aORmoderate/high = 1.67, 95% CI 1.05-2.67) were significantly positively associated with suicide risk. For fathers, higher perceived instrumental social support (aORmoderate/high = 0.04, 95% CI < 0.01-0.44) and having more years of formal education (aORmoderate/high = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.98) were significantly negatively and exposure to war-related trauma (aORmoderate/high = 1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.19) was significantly positively associated with suicide risk. CONCLUSION Prevention programs should target psychopathology, community violence and social support to mitigate children and parents' current suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Scharpf
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Faustine Bwire Masath
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Getrude Mkinga
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Edna Kyaruzi
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mabula Nkuba
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Maregesi Machumu
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
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Yu Y, Feng Y, Xu S, Wilson A, Chen C, Ling X, Chen R, Wang Y. The influence of childhood trauma and chronotype on suicide attempts in Chinese emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:12. [PMID: 38173011 PMCID: PMC10765889 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have investigated how adults with severe depressive symptoms are more likely to attempt suicide, and these adults often have traumatic experiences and chaotic sleep/wake rhythms. Thus, this study using Latent class analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma class, chronotype, and suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms. METHODS This study was conducted among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms covering 63 Universities in Jilin Province, China. A total of 1,225 emerging adults (mean age = 19.6 ± 1.78) constructed the final sample. In addition to measuring socio-demographic characteristics, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, the Single-Item Chronotyping, and a single item for suicide attempts were used to evaluate childhood trauma, chronotype, and suicide attempts, respectively. Latent class analysis was applied to identify the classes of childhood trauma within emerging adults who had severe depressive symptoms. Hierarchical logistic regression models were run to investigate the effects of socio-demographic characteristics, chronotype, and childhood trauma class on suicide attempts. RESULTS Three latent classes were identified: the Low-risk for childhood trauma class, the Neglect class, and the High-risk for childhood abuse class. Those who suffered sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time were divided into the High-risk for childhood abuse class, and were significantly more likely to experience suicide attempts than those in the Neglect class (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.34-2.89, p < 0.001) and the Low-risk for childhood trauma class (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.50-3.46, p < 0.001). In terms of chronotype, the results showed that the chaotic type was a risk factor for suicide attempts when compared with the evening type (OR = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.27-0.78, p < 0.01), the moderately active type (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.31-0.89, p < 0.05), and the daytime type (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.21-0.86, p < 0.05). Overall, the significant risk factors for suicide attempts included being female, living in an urban area, having experienced sexual, emotional, and physical abuse simultaneously, and having a chaotic chronotype. CONCLUSION Emerging adults suffering sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the same time and identifying with chaotic chronotype showed a higher risk of attempting suicide. The findings provided a clinical reference to quickly identify those at high risk of suicide attempts among emerging adults with severe depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Mental Health Center, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shicun Xu
- Northeast Asian Research Center, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Population, Resources and Environment, Northeast Asian Studies College, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- China Center for Aging Studies and Social-Economic Development, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Amanda Wilson
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Chang Chen
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Ling
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runsen Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
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Núñez D, Gaete J, Guajardo V, Libuy N, Araneda AM, Contreras L, Donoso P, Ibañez C, Mundt AP. Brief Report: The Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suicide-Related Behaviors Among 10th-Grade Secondary School Students. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:399-410. [PMID: 36330838 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2134067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The association between adverse childhood experiences and suicide-related behaviors (SRB) of adolescents has been widely studied in Western high-income countries, but not yet in Latin America. The aim of this study was to determine this association and to explore a dose-response relationship between adverse childhood experiences and SRB in Chile. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess adverse childhood experiences up to 1 year prior to the survey and SRB (suicide ideation and attempts) in a sample of secondary school students. Multilevel and multivariable logistic regressions were run with SRB as dependent and adverse childhood experiences as independent variables, adjusted by self-esteem, general mental health, friend and parental support, and the age at onset of cannabis and alcohol use. We included 7,458 adolescents (48.7% girls), mean age = 16.0 (SD = 0.7), and found a prevalence of 78.1% for at least one adverse childhood experience. The 6-month prevalence of suicidal ideation was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.2%-19.0%), and the prevalence of suicide attempts was 5.0% (95% CI: 4.6-5.6). Among all adverse childhood experiences, only sexual abuse was a risk factor for both SRB. We also found an independent effect of the total number of adverse childhood experiences on suicidal ideation (p < .001) and on suicide attempts (p < .001). Additionally, ages at onset of alcohol and cannabis use were associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts, respectively. This is the first study exploring the influence of adverse childhood experiences on suicide-related behaviors in adolescents from Latin America.HIGHLIGHTSSexual abuse is associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in 10th-grade secondary school studentsThere is a dose-response effect between adverse childhood experiences and suicide-related behaviorAges at onset of alcohol and cannabis use were associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts, respectively.
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15
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Kim AW, Said Mohamed R, Norris SA, Naicker S, Richter LM, Kuzawa CW. Childhood adversity during the post-apartheid transition and COVID-19 stress independently predict adult PTSD risk in urban South Africa: A biocultural analysis of the stress sensitization hypothesis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 182:620-631. [PMID: 37283092 PMCID: PMC10700668 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa introduced new societal adversities and mental health threats in a country where one in three individuals are expected to develop a psychiatric condition sometime in their life. Scientists have suggested that psychosocial stress and trauma during childhood may increase one's vulnerability to the mental health consequences of future stressors-a process known as stress sensitization. This prospective analysis assessed whether childhood adversity experienced among South African children across the first 18 years of life, coinciding with the post-apartheid transition, exacerbates the mental health impacts of psychosocial stress experienced during the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (ca. 2020-2021). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data came from 88 adults who participated in a follow-up study of a longitudinal birth cohort study in Soweto, South Africa. Childhood adversity and COVID-19 psychosocial stress were assessed as primary predictors of adult PTSD risk, and an interaction term between childhood adversity and COVID-19 stress was calculated to evaluate the potential effect of stress sensitization. RESULTS Fifty-six percent of adults exhibited moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms. Greater childhood adversity and higher COVID-19 psychosocial stress independently predicted worse post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adults. Adults who reported greater childhood adversity exhibited non-significantly worse PTSD symptoms from COVID-19 psychosocial stress. DISCUSSION These results highlight the deleterious mental health effects of both childhood trauma and COVID-19 psychosocial stress in our sample and emphasize the need for greater and more accessible mental health support as the pandemic progresses in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wooyoung Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rihlat Said Mohamed
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane A Norris
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Global Health Research Institute, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sara Naicker
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda M Richter
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Ding L, Liu Y, Liu X. Risk Factors of Suicide Attempt among Adolescents with Suicide Ideation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries across the Globe. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:1209-1215. [PMID: 37832147 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2258219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a serious public health problem for adolescents. Based on the framework of ideation-to-action, it is important to examine the factors associated with the translation from suicide ideation to suicide attempt. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors of suicide attempts among adolescents with suicide ideation in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We analyzed data of students aged 12-18 years who participated in the 2009-2013 Global School-based Health Surveys (GSHS) in 39 LMICs. The Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of suicide attempts among participants with suicide ideation, the multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify significant factors associated with suicide attempts among suicide ideators. Among 22,655 adolescents with suicide ideation, 55.1% of them reported having made a suicide attempt in the past year. Loneliness, anxiety, alcohol use, and drug use were risk factors for suicide attempts among suicide ideators. Strategies should be implemented to reduce the likelihood of adolescents acting on their suicidal thoughts, such as community psychological crisis line, school-based mental health and skills training programs, and family support for adolescents with psychological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ebalu TI, Kearns JC, Ouermi L, Bountogo M, Sié A, Bärnighausen T, Harling G. Prevalence and correlates of adolescent self-injurious thoughts and behaviors: A population-based study in Burkina Faso. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1626-1635. [PMID: 37329143 PMCID: PMC10657509 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231175778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) are a growing concern among youth in sub-Saharan Africa, but their prevalence and correlates in this region are poorly understood. We therefore examined self-reported SITBs in a population-representative sample of youth in rural Burkina Faso. We used interviews from 1,538 adolescents aged 12 to 20 years living in 10 villages and 1 town in northwestern Burkina Faso. Adolescents were asked about their experiences with suicidal and nonsuicidal SITBs, adverse environmental factors, psychiatric symptoms, and interpersonal-social experiences. SITBs included lifetime prevalence of life is not worth living, passive suicide ideation, active suicide ideation, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). After describing SITB prevalence, we ran logistic and negative binomial regression models to predict SITBs. Weighted lifetime SITB prevalence estimates were: 15.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.7-18.0) for NSSI; 15.1% (95% CI: [13.2, 17.0]) for life is not worth living; 5.0% (95% CI [3.9, 6.0]) for passive suicide ideation; and 2.3% (95% CI [1.6, 3.0]) for active suicide ideation. Prevalence of life is not worth living increased with age. All four SITBs were significantly positively associated with mental health symptoms (depression symptoms, probable posttraumatic stress disorder) and interpersonal-social experiences (peer and social connectedness, physical assault, sexual assault and unwanted sexual experiences). Females were significantly more likely to report that their life was not worth living compared to males (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI [0.48, 0.96]). There is a high prevalence of SITBs among youth in rural Burkina Faso, most notably NSSI and life is not worth living, with interpersonal-social factors being the strongest predictors. Our results highlight the need for longitudinal SITB assessment to understand how risk for SITBs operates in resource-constrained settings, and to design interventions to mitigate risk. Given low school enrollment in rural Burkina Faso, it will be important to consider youth suicide prevention and mental health initiatives that are not school-based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie I Ebalu
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ali Sié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Institute of Global Health, University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Guy Harling
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Thurston C, Murray AL, Franchino-Olsen H, Meinck F. Prospective longitudinal associations between adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2023; 12:181. [PMID: 37777785 PMCID: PMC10541707 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research cites a strong, dose-response relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor adult mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harm, suicidality, and psychotic-like experiences. AIM To systematically investigate the existence and strength of association between ACEs and adult mental health outcomes in prospective longitudinal studies. The review will focus on the outcomes: anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and psychotic-like experiences. METHODS Twelve electronic databases will be searched: Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Global Health through the OVID interface. ProQuest will be used to search Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS), Dissertations and Theses, Sociology Database (including Sociological Abstracts and Social Services Abstracts), PTSDpubs (formerly The Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) Database) and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA). CINAHL, World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Index Medicus, and WHO Violence Info will also be searched. Eligible studies will be double screened, assessed, and their data will be extracted. Any disagreement throughout these processes will be settled by a third reviewer. If enough studies meet the criteria and the methodological quality of each study is sufficient, a meta-analysis will be conducted. ANALYSIS A narrative synthesis of included studies and the associations between ACEs and adult mental health will be completed. If the number of studies included per mental health outcome is two or more, a multi-level meta-analysis will be completed using odds ratio effect sizes as outcomes. DISCUSSION This review will contribute to the existing body of literature supporting the long-term effects of ACEs on adult mental health. This review adds to previous reviews that have either synthesised cross-sectional associations between ACEs and mental health outcomes, synthesised longitudinal studies exploring the effect of ACEs on different physical and mental health outcomes or synthesised longitudinal studies exploring the effect of ACEs on the same mental health outcomes using different methods. This review aims to identify methodological weaknesses and knowledge gaps in current literature that can be addressed in future primary studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021297882).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Thurston
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK.
| | | | - Hannabeth Franchino-Olsen
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK
| | - Franziska Meinck
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Chrystal Macmillan Building, 15a George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Kim AW, Rieder AD, Cooper-Vince CE, Kakuhikire B, Baguma C, Satinsky EN, Perkins JM, Kiconco A, Namara EB, Rasmussen JD, Ashaba S, Bangsberg DR, Tsai AC, Puffer ES. Maternal adverse childhood experiences, child mental health, and the mediating effect of maternal depression: A cross-sectional, population-based study in rural, southwestern Uganda. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023; 182:19-31. [PMID: 37212482 PMCID: PMC10524293 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the intergenerational effects of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child mental health outcomes in rural Uganda, as well as the potentially mediating role of maternal depression in this pathway. Additionally, we sought to test the extent to which maternal social group membership attenuated the mediating effect of maternal depression on child mental health. METHODS Data come from a population-based cohort of families living in the Nyakabare Parish, a rural district in southwestern Uganda. Between 2016 and 2018, mothers completed surveys about childhood adversity, depressive symptoms, social group membership, and their children's mental health. Survey data were analyzed using causal mediation and moderated-mediation analysis. RESULTS Among 218 mother-child pairs, 61 mothers (28%) and 47 children (22%) showed symptoms meeting cutoffs for clinically significant psychological distress. In multivariable linear regression models, maternal ACEs had a statistically significant association with severity of child conduct problems, peer problems, and total child difficulty scores. Maternal depression mediated the relationship between maternal ACEs and conduct problems, peer problems, and total difficulty, but this mediating effect was not moderated by maternal group membership. CONCLUSIONS Maternal depression may act as a potential mechanism linking maternal childhood adversity with poor child mental health in the next generation. Within a context of elevated rates of psychiatric morbidity, high prevalence of childhood adversity, and limited healthcare and economic infrastructures across Uganda, these results emphasize the prioritization of social services and mental health resources for rural Ugandan families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wooyoung Kim
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amber D Rieder
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Charles Baguma
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emily N Satinsky
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jessica M Perkins
- Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allen Kiconco
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - David R Bangsberg
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Oregon Health and Science University - Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eve S Puffer
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Byansi W, Galvin M, Chiwaye L, Luvuno Z, Kim AW, Sundararajan R, Tsai AC, Moolla A. Adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, and mental health among adults at two outpatient psychiatric facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:581. [PMID: 37563695 PMCID: PMC10413614 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences and adult trauma, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and interpersonal violence, are highly prevalent in low-resource settings and associated with adverse psychological outcomes. However, there is limited focus on the impact of ACEs and trauma on mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study examines the impact of traumatic events and ACEs on depression, anxiety, and stress scores among outpatients receiving psychiatric care at two public mental health treatment facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS A sample of 309 participants were recruited between January and June 2022 at Helen Joseph Hospital and Alexandra 18th Avenue Clinic. Participants completed screening measures for mental health outcomes, including the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. We fitted modified Poisson and linear regression models to estimate the impact of ACEs and adult experiences of trauma on depression, anxiety, and stress scale scores. RESULTS 47.57% (n = 147) of participants screened positive for anxiety, 44.66% (n = 138) for depression, and 17% (n = 54) for severe stress. More females screened positive for anxiety (65.31%), depression (65.94%), and stress (77.78%). Each ACE was associated with a 12% increased risk of depression, a 10% increased risk of anxiety, and a 17% increased risk of stress. In separately estimated models, each additional traumatic event during adulthood was associated with a 16% increased risk for depression, an 8% increased risk of anxiety, and a 26% increased risk of stress. Across all models, being male and self-reported physical health were consistently associated with a reduced risk for depression, anxiety, and stress. CONCLUSIONS ACEs and experiences of traumatic events as adults were associated with significantly increased risks of anxiety, depression, and severe stress. Given high exposure to ACEs and trauma and the associated impact on the mental health of individuals, families, and communities, there is a need to strengthen and scale innovative combination interventions that address multiple stressors impacting people in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Byansi
- School of Social Work, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| | - Michael Galvin
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lesley Chiwaye
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zoleka Luvuno
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew W Kim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Radhika Sundararajan
- Weill Cornell Center for Global Health, New York City, New York, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, United States
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aneesa Moolla
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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21
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Steventon Roberts KJ, Du Toit S, Mawoyo T, Tomlinson M, Cluver LD, Skeen S, Laurenzi CA, Sherr L. Protocol for the OCAY study: a cohort study of orphanhood and caregiver loss in the COVID-19 era to explore the impact on children and adolescents. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071023. [PMID: 37263702 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, no person has been untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little attention has been given to children and adolescents in policy, provision and services. Moreover, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the impact of COVID-19-associated orphanhood and caregiver loss on children. This study aims to provide early insights into the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents experiencing orphanhood or caregiver loss in South Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Data will be drawn from a quantitative longitudinal study in Cape Town, South Africa. A sample of children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18 years, experiencing parental or caregiver loss from COVID-19, will be recruited together with a comparison group of children in similar environments who did not experience loss. The study aims to recruit 500 children in both groups. Mental health and well-being among children will be explored through the use of validated and study-specific measures. Participants will be interviewed at two time points, with follow-up data being collected 12-18 months after baseline. A combination of analytical techniques (including descriptive statistics, regression modelling and structural equation modelling) will be used to understand the experience and inform future policy and service provision. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received ethical approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee at Stellenbosch University (N 22/04/040). Results will be disseminated via academic and policy publications, as well as national and international presentations including high-level meetings with technical experts. Findings will also be disseminated at a community level via various platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Steventon Roberts
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefani Du Toit
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Mawoyo
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing & Midwifrey, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | - Lucie D Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, Univeristy of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, Univeristy of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christina A Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Reseach, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch Univeristy, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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22
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Cherewick M, Dahl RE, Rubin D, Leiferman JA, Njau PF. Psychometric validation of the collective asset Utu: associations with coping strategies and resilience during adolescence. Glob Health Res Policy 2023; 8:15. [PMID: 37198701 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utu is a Kiswahili term with a long history of cultural significance in Tanzania. It conveys a value system of shared, collective humanity. While variants of Utu have been studied in other contexts, a measure of Utu that captures this important collective asset has not been developed in Tanzania. The aims of this study were to (1) examine dimensional constructs that represent Utu, (2) validate a measurement scale of Utu for use with adolescents, (3) examine differences between orphan and non-orphan adolescents in self-reported Utu and, (4) examine structural paths between adverse life experiences, coping strategies, Utu, and resilience. METHODS: This study collected survey data from adolescents from three districts in peri-urban Tanzania in two samples: 189 orphan adolescents ages 10-17 in May 2020 and 333 non-orphan adolescents ages 10-14 in August 2020. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the hypothesized factor structure of the developed Utu measure. Structural equation models were used to examine path associations with adverse life experiences, coping and resilience. RESULTS The five dimensional constructs comprising the Utu measure included Resource Sharing, Group Solidarity, Respect and Dignity, Collectivity, and Compassion. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Utu measure demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.97; SRMR = 0.024; RMSEA = 0.046) and internal consistency (α = 0.94) among adolescents in this study. Positive, significant associations were found between Utu and coping (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and Utu and intra/interpersonal and collective resilience (β = 0.13, p < 0.014). Utu was not significantly associated with adverse life experiences, age or gender. CONCLUSIONS A five-dimensional measurement scale for Utu was validated in a sample of orphan and non-orphan adolescents in Tanzania. Utu is a collective asset associated with higher levels of reported resilience in both orphan and non-orphan adolescent populations in Tanzania. Promoting Utu may be an effective universal public health prevention approach. Implications for adolescent programming are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cherewick
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Ronald E Dahl
- Institute of Human Development, University of California Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way West, Berkeley, CA, 94720-1690, USA
| | - Daphna Rubin
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jenn A Leiferman
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Prosper F Njau
- Health for a Prosperous Nation, P.O. Box 13650, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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23
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Gebrekristos LT, Groves AK, McNaughton Reyes L, Moodley D, Beksinska M, Maman S. Intimate partner violence victimization during pregnancy increases risk of postpartum depression among urban adolescent mothers in South Africa. Reprod Health 2023; 20:68. [PMID: 37131269 PMCID: PMC10155407 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is estimated that 38.8% of mothers develop postpartum depression (PPD) in South Africa. While empirical evidence documents an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in pregnancy and PPD among adult women, the association has been underexamined among adolescent mothers (< 19 years). The study's purpose is to examine whether IPV victimization during pregnancy is associated with PPD among adolescent mothers. METHODS Adolescent mothers (14-19 years) were recruited at a regional hospital's maternity ward in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa between July 2017-April 2018. Participants completed behavioral assessments at two visits (n = 90): baseline (up to 4 weeks postpartum) and follow-up (6-9 weeks postpartum, when PPD is typically assessed). The WHO modified conflict tactics scale was used to create a binary measure of any physical and/or psychological IPV victimization that occurred during pregnancy. Participants with scores ≥ 13 on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were classified as having symptoms of PPD. We used a modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors to assess PPD in association with IPV victimization during pregnancy, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS Nearly one-half (47%) of adolescent mothers reported symptoms of PPD by 6-9 weeks post-delivery. Further, IPV victimization during pregnancy was highly prevalent (40%). Adolescent mothers who reported IPV victimization during pregnancy had marginally higher risk of PPD at follow-up (RR: 1.50, 95 CI: 0.97-2.31; p = 0.07). The association was strengthened and significant in covariate-adjusted analysis (RR: 1.62, 95 CI: 1.06-2.49; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Poor mental health was common among adolescent mothers, and IPV victimization during pregnancy was associated with PPD risk among adolescent mothers. Implementing IPV and PPD routine screenings during the perinatal period may aid in identifying adolescent mothers for IPV and PPD interventions and treatment. With the high prevalence of IPV and PPD in this vulnerable population and the potential negative impact on maternal and infant outcomes, interventions to reduce IPV and PPD are needed to improve adolescent mothers' well-being and their baby's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luwam T Gebrekristos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Allison K Groves
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luz McNaughton Reyes
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dhayendre Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MatCH Research Unit (MRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Shirima J, Mhando L, Mavura R, Mboya IB, Ngocho JS. Suicidal Attempts among Secondary School-Going Adolescents in Kilimanjaro Region, Northern Tanzania. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13040288. [PMID: 37102802 PMCID: PMC10136214 DOI: 10.3390/bs13040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide attempts among adolescents are common and can lead to death. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with suicide attempts among secondary school-going adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. The study used data from two repeated regional school-based student health surveys (RSHS), conducted in 2019 (Survey 1) and 2022 (Survey 2). Data were analyzed for secondary school students aged 13 to 17 years from four districts of the Kilimanjaro region. The study included 4188 secondary school-going adolescents: 3182 in Survey 1 and 1006 in Survey 2. The mean age in Survey 1 was 14 years and the median age in Survey 2 was 17 years (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of suicide attempts was 3.3% (3.0% in Survey 1 and 4.2% in Survey 2). Female adolescents had higher odds of suicide attempts (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–5.5), as did those who felt lonely (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.0–3.6), had ever been worried (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.5), or had ever been bullied (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1). Suicidal attempts are prevalent among secondary school-going adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. In-school programs should be established to prevent such attempts.
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Silke C, Brady B, Devaney C, O'Brien C, Durcan M, Bunting B, Heary C. Youth Suicide and Self-Harm: Latent Class Profiles of Adversity and the Moderating Roles of Perceived Support and Sense of Safety. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:1255-1271. [PMID: 36964434 PMCID: PMC10121538 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that exposure to adversity can lead to an increased risk of experiencing suicidal and self-injurious thoughts or behaviours, but few studies have examined whether different patterns of adversity are differentially associated with youth suicide/self-harm. The current study aims to explore the relationship between exposure to adversity across various social domains and youth self-harm and suicidality, using a person centred approach, and examines whether access to social support and a sense of safety across home, peer or school settings buffer the relationship between adversity and self-harm/suicidality. Secondary data analyses were carried out on cross-sectional self-report data collected from 4848 (Mage=15.78, SD = 0.59; 50% female) adolescents who participated in the Irish Planet Youth survey. Latent Class Analyses identified four distinct profiles of adversity; low-adversity (n = 2043, 42%); peer-adversity (n = 972, 20%); parental-adversity (n = 1189, 25%); and multiple-adversity (n = 644, 13%). Findings from logistic moderated regressions indicated that there were significant differences in self-harm and suicidality across the adversity classes. Although parental support and perceived safety at school were negatively associated with suicidality and self-harm outcomes, no significant moderation effects were observed. These findings suggest that youth who experience adversity across multiple social domains are more likely to report suicidal and self-harm thoughts and behaviours, and should be key targets for intervention/prevention efforts. While parental support and school safety may act as significant compensatory factors, further work is needed to identify the social resources that can offset the risk imposed by youth's adverse experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Silke
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Bernadine Brady
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Carmel Devaney
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Micheal Durcan
- Western Region Drugs & Alcohol Task Force, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Caroline Heary
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Rajhvajn Bulat L, Sušac N, Ajduković M. Predicting prolonged non-suicidal self-injury behaviour and suicidal ideations in adolescence - the role of personal and environmental factors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-12. [PMID: 36855643 PMCID: PMC9951151 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents and repetitional suicidal ideations (SI) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) often precede it. In order to improve recognition of youth who are at high risk of suicide, current study aims to identify which individual variables (personality, self-concept and adverse childhood experiences - ACE) predict prolonged NSSI and SI from middle to late adolescence. A 3-year longitudinal study was conducted with 1101 Croatian adolescents (aged 15-17). 181 students (72.4% females) reported either NSSI or SI or both in T1 and were included in all waves of the study. Analyses are focused on differentiation between adolescents who continue with NSSI/SI and those who stop with it in a 3-year period. Results showed that adolescents with prolonged NSSI/SI had more ACE, especially domestic violence, worse family financial status, higher neuroticism and lower results on self-concept variables. The prediction model of classification of those who have prolonged NSSI or SI was better for SI than NSSI, with predictors explaining 31% of variation in SI. Adolescents who experienced more ACE and report more neuroticism have a higher chance of prolonged SI, while youth who perceive better family financial status and have better relationships with parents have a greater chance to stop with it. For NSSI only neuroticism was a significant predictor. Considering significant variables which could predict prolonged NSSI and/or SI, data presented in this paper have both scientific and practical contribution in understanding, treating and preventing adolescents' mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Rajhvajn Bulat
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nika Sušac
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Ajduković
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Examining mediators of associations of food insecurity and being bullied with suicide among in-school adolescents in Eswatini: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1668. [PMID: 36717579 PMCID: PMC9886993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28767-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the potential mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness on the association of concurrent food insecurity (FI) and being bullied (BB) with suicidal behavior (SB) in Eswatini, a lower-middle-income country. We used data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS; N = 3264), which employed a two-stage cluster sampling: first, 25 schools were selected based on the proportionate probability of enrollment; second, classes were randomly selected. A self-reported 84-item GSHS questionnaire was used to collect data for students aged 13-17 years. FI was measured by requesting students to recall how often they went hungry because of a lack of food at home in the 30 days before the study. Multiple logistic regressions and binary mediation function was applied to examine mediating factors of SB. The prevalence of SB, FI, and BB among adolescents was 27.5%, 7.7%, and 30.2%, respectively. Moreover, the relationship between FI and BB with SB was partly (approximately 24%) mediated by anxiety and loneliness. Our results highlight the mediating roles of anxiety and loneliness in suicidal adolescents who experience FI and BB. In conclusion, interventions for alleviating SB in high-risk adolescents experiencing FI and BB should also be aimed at ameliorating anxiety and loneliness.
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Muwanguzi M, Kaggwa MM, Najjuka SM, Mamun MA, Arinaitwe I, Kajjimu J, Nduhuura E, Ashaba S. Exploring adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Ugandan university students: its associations with academic performance, depression, and suicidal ideations. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:11. [PMID: 36639808 PMCID: PMC9838032 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among university students have been linked to a variety of factors and have been shown to have a dose-response relationship with adult health and behavior. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of exposure to ACEs on academic performance, depression, and suicidal ideations among university students. METHODS A cross-sectional survey among university students at a public university in southwestern Uganda was conducted in 2021, integrating the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire for assessing ACEs, the Patient Health Questionnaire for assessing depression symptoms and suicidal ideations, and questions assessing the family structure and academic performance as adopted from similar studies. Regression analysis was performed, and 3 models were generated to answer the study hypotheses. RESULTS A total of 653 undergraduate university students with a mean age of 22.80 (± 3.16) years were recruited. Almost all students (99.8%) experienced one or more ACEs, with physical abuse being the common ACE reported. The average depression symptom severity was statistically higher among individuals who experienced any form of ACEs. No relationship was observed between the ACEs experienced and self-rated academic performance. Similarly, on regression analysis, the cumulative number of ACEs was not associated with self-rated academic performance (β = - 0.007; 95% CI - 0.031 to 0.016; p = 0.558). However, the cumulative number of ACEs was positively associated with depression symptom severity (β = 0.684; 95% CI 0.531-0.837; p < 0.001), as well as increased the likelihood of suicidal ideations (aOR = 1.264; 95% CI 01.090-1.465; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The burden of ACEs is exceedingly high among Ugandan university students, highlighting the urgency in strengthening effective child protection strategies to protect Uganda's rapidly growing population from mental ill-health and avoid future psychological disability, a burden to the healthcare system. The study's findings will also be useful to practitioners/policymakers working to prevent/limit child maltreatment globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Muwanguzi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Sarah Maria Najjuka
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohammed A. Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Dhaka Bangladesh ,grid.411808.40000 0001 0664 5967Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Innocent Arinaitwe
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jonathan Kajjimu
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Elicana Nduhuura
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Scholastic Ashaba
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Ashworth E, Jarman I, McCabe P, McCarthy M, Provazza S, Crosbie V, Quigg Z, Saini P. Suicidal Crisis among Children and Young People: Associations with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Socio-Demographic Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1251. [PMID: 36674021 PMCID: PMC9858613 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health issue and a leading cause of death among children and young people (CYP) worldwide. There is strong evidence linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to an increased risk of suicidal behaviours in adults, but there is limited understanding regarding ACEs and suicidal crises in CYP. This study aims to examine the ACEs associated with CYP presenting at Emergency Departments for suicidal crises, and specifically the factors associated with repeat attendances. This is a case series study of CYP (aged 8-16) experiencing suicidal crisis who presented in a paediatric Emergency Department in England between March 2019 and March 2021 (n = 240). The dataset was subjected to conditional independence graphical analysis. Results revealed a significant association between suicidal crisis and several ACEs. Specifically, evidence of clusters of ACE variables suggests two distinct groups of CYP associated with experiencing a suicidal crisis: those experiencing "household risk" and those experiencing "parental risk". Female sex, history of self-harm, mental health difficulties, and previous input from mental health services were also associated with repeat hospital attendances. Findings have implications for early identification of and intervention with children who may be at a heightened risk for ACEs and associated suicidal crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ashworth
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Ian Jarman
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Philippa McCabe
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Molly McCarthy
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Serena Provazza
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Vivienne Crosbie
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L14 5AB, UK
| | - Zara Quigg
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Pooja Saini
- Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
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Dissecting early life stress-induced adolescent depression through epigenomic approach. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:141-153. [PMID: 36517640 PMCID: PMC9812796 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01907-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS), such as abuse and neglect during childhood, can lead to psychiatric disorders in later life. Previous studies have suggested that ELS can cause profound changes in gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms, which can lead to psychiatric disorders in adulthood; however, studies on epigenetic modifications associated with ELS and psychiatric disorders in adolescents are limited. Moreover, how these epigenetic modifications can lead to psychiatric disorders in adolescents is not fully understood. Commonly, DNA methylation, histone modification, and the regulation of noncoding RNAs have been attributed to the reprogramming of epigenetic profiling associated with ELS. Although only a few studies have attempted to examine epigenetic modifications in adolescents with ELS, existing evidence suggests that there are commonalities and differences in epigenetic profiling between adolescents and adults. In addition, epigenetic modifications are sex-dependent and are influenced by the type of ELS. In this review, we have critically evaluated the current evidence on epigenetic modifications in adolescents with ELS, particularly DNA methylation and the expression of microRNAs in both preclinical models and humans. We have also clarified the impact of ELS on psychiatric disorders in adolescents to predict the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and to prevent and recover these disorders through personalized medicine.
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Kearns JC, Kittel JA, Schlagbaum P, Pigeon WR, Glenn CR. Worry-related sleep problems and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents in 88 low-, middle-, and high-income countries: an examination of individual- and country-level factors. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1995-2011. [PMID: 34213638 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A strong association between sleep problems and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) has been demonstrated in high-income countries. The sleep-STB relationship, however, is minimally understood among youth in low and middle-incomes countries. There also is a limited understanding of how individual- (i.e., age, sex) and country-level (i.e., economic inequality, economic quality) factors may moderate the magnitude of the sleep-STB association among youth. Data were analyzed from the cross-national Global School-based Health Survey 2003-2017, which assessed a range of health behaviors among school-enrolled adolescents aged 11-18 years from 88 low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income countries. Multilevel models were used to examine the influence of individual- and country-level factors on the association between past-year worry-related sleep problems and past-year suicide ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts. Worry-related sleep problems were significantly associated with suicide ideation, plans, and attempts. Adolescent sex, country economic quality (income group designation), and country economic inequality moderated the sleep-STB association, but age did not. The sleep-STB relationship was stronger for males and across macroeconomic indices, the relationship was generally strongest among upper-middle income countries (economic quality) and countries with a big income gap (economic inequality). When examining how individual-level factors differentially affected the sleep-STB relationship within economic quality (income group designation), the effects were driven by older adolescents in high-income countries for suicide ideation and suicide plans. Study findings suggest an important role for global macroeconomic factors, for males, and older adolescents in high-income countries in the sleep-STB relationship. Future directions include expanding worldwide coverage of countries, assessing a wider range of sleep problems, and longitudinal work to understand potential mechanisms in the sleep-STB relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn C Kearns
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, 180 Meliora Hall, Box 270266, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA.
| | - Julie A Kittel
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Paige Schlagbaum
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Wilfred R Pigeon
- VA Center for Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, NY, USA.,Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab, University of Rochester Medical Center Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Catherine R Glenn
- Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA.,Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Peltzer K, Pengpid S. Factors associated with single and multiple suicide attempts in adolescent school children in Morocco: A national cross-sectional survey. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2022.2121467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Peltzer
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Supa Pengpid
- Department of Health Education and Behavioural Sciences, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Su Y, Sun W, Gan Y, Zhu Q, Liu G, Hui L, Tang H, Liu Z. Mindfulness mediates the relationship between positive parenting and aggression, depression, and suicidal ideation: A longitudinal study in middle school students. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1007983. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1007983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has indicated that parenting factors affect the risk of maladaptive psychological outcomes (e.g., aggression, depression, or suicidal ideation), and that positive parenting is a prospective risk factor for maladaptive psychological outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between positive parenting, mindfulness, and maladaptive psychological outcomes remain unknown, as do the processes that mediate the effect of positive parenting on maladaptive psychological outcomes in adolescents. The objective of the present study was to investigate the longitudinal relationship between positive parenting, mindfulness, and maladaptive psychological outcomes in middle school students, as well as the mediating effect of mindfulness in the relationships between positive parenting and depression, aggression, and suicidal ideation. In this study, 386 middle school children (aged 12–16) were tested three times over a period of 6 months. Positive parenting was assessed at Time 1, mindfulness at Time 2, and depression, aggression, and suicidal ideation at Time 3. Using structural equation modeling, positive parenting was revealed to be longitudinally associated with mindfulness and negatively associated with maladaptive psychological outcomes. More crucially, mindfulness mediated the relationship between positive parenting and maladaptive psychological outcomes. This research provides important insights into how to effectively decrease adolescent maladaptive psychological outcomes and highlights the importance of teaching mindfulness to youths.
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Lee N, Massetti GM, Perry EW, Self-Brown S. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Associated Mental Distress and Suicide Risk: Results From the Zambia Violence Against Children Survey. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP21244-NP21265. [PMID: 34906001 PMCID: PMC9192820 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211056726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a global public health concern. Little research exists on the prevalence and health consequences of ACEs in Zambia. The current study examined associations between individual and cumulative ACEs, mental distress, and suicide risk among Zambian youth. Methods: Data from Zambia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey were used (18-24 years old, n=1034). Bivariate and adjusted logistic models were performed with independent variables (i.e., experienced physical violence (PV), sexual violence (SV), and emotional violence (EV); witnessed intimate partner violence (IPV) and community violence (CV); orphan status; cumulative ACE exposure) and dependent variables (i.e., mental distress and suicide risk). Adjusted models controlled for demographic and social characteristics. Results: 76.8% of Zambian youth experienced one or more ACEs, and more than 30% witnessed CV (38.4%) or IPV (30.2%), or experienced PV (35.1%), prior to age 18. 27.5% were orphans, and less than 20% experienced EV (17.3%) or SV (15.4%) in childhood. 42.4% experienced mental distress in the past 30 days, and 12.5% reported lifetime suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. PV, EV, cumulative ACE exposure, older age, being single, and stronger friendships were significantly related to experiencing mental distress. Cumulative ACEs exposure was associated with significantly higher suicide risk. Conclusions: Preventing ACEs can reduce mental distress and suicide risk among Zambian youth. Youth with cumulative ACE exposure can be prioritized for mental health intervention. More research is warranted to investigate the broad-based prevention of ACEs, especially PV and EV, and protective factors that can promote resilience among youth who have experienced ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- NaeHyung Lee
- Copial Business Strategists, Chamblee, GA, USA
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Greta M. Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elizabeth W. Perry
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Li L, Xu G, Zhou D, Song P, Wang Y, Bian G. Prevalences of Parental and Peer Support and Their Independent Associations With Mental Distress and Unhealthy Behaviours in 53 Countries. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604648. [PMID: 36299408 PMCID: PMC9588916 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Parental and peer support are both associated with mental distress and unhealthy behaviour indices in adolescents. Methods: We used the Global School-Based Student Health Survey data (n = 192,633) from 53 countries and calculated the weighted prevalence of individual and combined parental and peer support. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted associations between combined parental and peer support with mental distress and unhealthy behaviours. Results: The prevalence figures for having all four categories of parental support and two peer-support were 9.7% and 38.4%, respectively. Compared with no parental support, adolescents with all four parental support negatively associated with all five mental distress and eight unhealthy behaviours factors, and the ORs ranged from 0.19 to 0.75. Additionally, adolescents with two peer support were negative association with all mental distress and four health risk behaviours, and positively associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: Parental and peer support were lacking in some countries, while greater parental and peer support were negative associated with mental distress and most unhealthy behaviours in adolescents, and the relationships were independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Li
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Guodong Xu
- Ningbo Medical Centre Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | | | - Ping Song
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Yucheng Wang, ; Guolin Bian,
| | - Guolin Bian
- Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Yucheng Wang, ; Guolin Bian,
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36
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De Silva DA, Diduk-Smith RM. Comparison of Suicides Among Younger and Older Adolescents in Virginia, 2008-2017. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:1958-1965. [PMID: 34425060 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.1965929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth and is of public health importance. Characteristics and precipitating circumstances may differ by adolescent age groups. Understanding these differences may inform prevention efforts that are population-specific. Therefore, we sought to compare suicides between younger and older adolescents in Virginia from 2008 to 2017.Methods: We used data from the Virginia Violent Death Reporting System (VVDRS), part of the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). We included suicides of all adolescents aged 10-17 who were residents of Virginia from 2008 to 2017. Descriptive statistics and unadjusted logistic regression were used to compare characteristics and circumstances between younger (10-14) and older (15-17) adolescents.Results: Three hundred and 24 (324) adolescents died by suicide between 2008 and 2017 in Virginia, of which 20% were younger adolescents, and 80% were older adolescents. Suicides of younger adolescents increased significantly over the 10-year period. Younger adolescent suicides seemed to occur after a crisis, while suicides among older adolescents occurred due to intimate partner problems and substance use. Mental health issues were common in both.Conclusions: Suicides may be more impulsive among younger adolescents and warrants further attention, while strategies to cope with intimate partner problems and substance use may be important for older adolescents and should be considered when implementing services and interventions. HIGHLIGHTSImpulsivity may be an issue among younger adolescents.Strategies for relationship and substance use issues may benefit older adolescents.Targeted interventions may be necessary for younger and older adolescents.
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37
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Factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour of South African adolescents. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01572-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Longitudinal consistency of self-reports of adverse childhood experiences among adolescents in a low-income setting. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101205. [PMID: 36091299 PMCID: PMC9449854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A sizeable literature documents the associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor health in later life. By and large, ACEs are measured using retrospective self-reports. Little is known about the longitudinal consistency of these self-reports in panel data with multiple measurements. This is especially true in adolescence, as most studies using ACEs self-reports have been conducted among adults. Furthermore, very few studies have explored the consistency of ACEs self-reports in low- and middle-income countries, where the reported prevalence of ACEs tends to be higher than in high-income countries. Addressing these gaps, the current study examines the consistency of ACEs self-reports among a cohort of adolescents (N = 1,878, age 10 to 16 at survey baseline) in rural Malawi. We use data from two waves of the ACE project of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health carried out in 2017-18 and 2021. In addition to the high prevalence of self-reported ACEs among adolescents in our sample, we document very low consistency of self-reports over time (average Kappa coefficient of 0.11). This low consistency is attributable not only to adolescents reporting more ACEs over time, which could be due to new exposures, but also to adolescents reporting fewer ACEs over time. Analyses of survey vignettes indicate that individual and sociocultural perceptions of abuse do not explain this low consistency. We find that external events (such as changes in socioeconomic status and negative economic shocks) and internal psychological states (such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder) both predict inconsistencies in ACEs self-reports. Compared with results from prior studies, our findings indicate that the longitudinal consistency of ACEs self-reports may be lower in adolescence than in adulthood. Taken together, these findings suggest that ACEs self-reports provided by adults may be biased by key processes unfolding in adolescence. Very low consistency of ACEs self-reports in a cohort of adolescents. Individual and sociocultural perceptions of abuse do not explain low consistency. Psychological states such as depression and PTSD predict inconsistent self-reports. Consistency of ACEs self-reports may be lower in adolescence than in adulthood.
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Factors associated with single and multiple suicide attempts in adolescents attending school in Argentina: national cross-sectional survey in 2018. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e128. [PMID: 35795969 PMCID: PMC9301764 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors associated with single suicide attempts (SSA) and multiple suicide attempts (MSA) may differ. AIMS The study aimed to assess the factors associated with MSA in adolescents with a history of suicide attempts during the past 12 months in Argentina. METHOD National cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey in Argentina in 2018 were analysed. Students who reported having a history of suicide attempts in the past 12 months were included in the final sample (n = 8507). Students with MSA were compared with students with an SSA through multiple logistic regression. RESULTS In a subsample of adolescents attending school (mean age 14.8 years, s.d. = 1.3), 59.4% had an SSA and 40.6% had MSA in the past 12 months. In the final adjusted logistic regression model, compared with participants with SSA, both male and female students with MSA more frequently had no close friends, reported feeling more lonely and had more anxiety-induced sleep disturbances. Furthermore, among female participants, having been physically attacked, having participated in physical fights, low parental support, current tobacco use and lifetime amphetamine use were associated with MSA. Among male students, multiple sexual partners were associated with MSA. Furthermore, among both boys and girls, compared with participants without psychosocial distress, participants with one, two, three or more psychosocial distress factors had higher odds of MSA. Compared with students with one or two social or environmental risk factors, students with seven or eight social or environmental risk factors had higher odds of MSA; compared with students who had zero or one health risk behaviours, students with six or more health risk behaviours had higher odds of MSA. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial distress (anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, having no close friends and loneliness) increased the odds of MSA among both sexes. The odds of MSA were increased by interpersonal violence, low parental support and substance use among girls, and by having multiple sexual partners among boys. This suggests the potential relevance of these variables in identifying multiple suicide attempters among adolescents attending school in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; and Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa; and Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Myat Zaw AM, Win NZ, Thepthien BO. Adolescents’ academic achievement, mental health, and adverse behaviors: Understanding the role of resilience and adverse childhood experiences. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/01430343221107114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and health in adolescents with high or low levels of resilience. Data came from the 2020 Bangkok Behaviour Surveillance Survey (BBSS). Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined associations between ACEs and health conditions overall, and for adolescents with low versus high resilience on the Grotberg’s Resilience Scale. Overall, 54.9% of adolescents reported 0 ACEs. Compared to adolescents with no ACEs, it was found that those with ≥ 1 ACE were more likely to experience insomnia, sadness, suicide attempt, depression, and excess alcohol consumption. Those with a history of four or more ACEs had worse mental health, higher total undesirable behaviour, and lower academic achievement. When the sample was divided into high resilience (60.2%) and low resilience (39.8%), having at least 1 ACEs (vs. 0 ACEs) was associated with worse mental health and undesirable behaviour in adolescents with low resilience. History of ACEs can predict adverse health conditions and undesirable behaviour among adolescents, and the strongest correlation is among adolescents with low resilience. Future studies are needed to develop strategies and interventions to increase adolescent resilience, and test whether improvements in resilience reduce the adverse impact of ACEs on adolescent mental/behavioural health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aye Myat Myat Zaw
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nay Zar Win
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Bang-on Thepthien
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Diamond G, Kodish T, Ewing ESK, Hunt QA, Russon JM. Family processes: Risk, protective and treatment factors for youth at risk for suicide. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2022; 64:101586. [PMID: 35662798 PMCID: PMC9159634 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2021.101586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Family factors have continually been identified as potential risk and protective factors for youth at risk for suicide. This paper reviews family processes that not only are associated with suicide risk, but also might be malleable enough to target in treatment. We also review family intervention components have been incorporated into most youth suicide treatments. Unfortunately research on if these family processes moderator, mediator or change as a result of treatment is limited. Recommendations for future research are offered.
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Amone-P'Olak K. Prevalence, distribution and attributable risks of adverse childhood experiences in different family types: A survey of young adults in Botswana. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 126:105513. [PMID: 35144077 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are often associated with poor outcomes in adulthood, little is known about its distribution in various family types, especially in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVE We assessed the prevalence, distribution, and attributable risks of ACEs in different family types in early adults. METHODS Using data from 483 young adults (18-25 years of age), we assessed the prevalence and distribution of ACEs and employed binary logistic regressions to quantify the attributable risk of ACEs in different family types: nuclear (reference), single-mother, separated/divorced, and extended family types. We compared respondents without reports of ACEs (reference) to those reporting different numbers of ACEs (1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more and 5 or more) to assess attributable risks of ACEs in different family types. RESULTS Out of the 483 participants, (female = 262 [53.3%]), 26.7% reported no ACEs, 21.1% reported 1 ACE, 13.3% reported 2 ACEs, and 38.9% reported 3 or more ACEs. Two hundred thirty-two (48%) and 153 (31.7%) students reported that they were from a nuclear and single-mother family types, respectively. Overall, there were higher densities of ACEs in single-mother and separated/divorced compared to nuclear family type. Compared to nuclear family type, the attributable risks of ACEs for single-mother family type ranged from 2.85 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.65) to 4.13 (95% CI: 1.92-8.91) and for separate/divorced family type ranging from 3.69 (95% CI: 1.72) to 6.32 (95% CI: 2.40-16.64). CONCLUSIONS The odds of ACEs differ with family types and were markedly pronounced in single-mother and separated/divorced compared to nuclear family types. Interventions to mitigate the effects of ACEs should be targeted at family types with a high density of ACEs. Professionals should design programmes targeting single-mother, separated/divorced and extended family types to alleviate the negative effects of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Amone-P'Olak
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Kyambogo University, Uganda.
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O'Halloran L, Coey P, Wilson C. Suicidality in autistic youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 93:102144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Orri M, Ahun MN, Naicker S, Besharati S, Richter LM. Childhood factors associated with suicidal ideation among South African youth: A 28-year longitudinal study of the Birth to Twenty Plus cohort. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003946. [PMID: 35290371 PMCID: PMC8923476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although early life factors are associated with increased suicide risk in youth, there is a dearth of research on these associations for individuals growing up in disadvantaged socioeconomic contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We documented the association between individual, familial, and environmental factors in childhood with suicidal ideation among South African youth. METHODS AND FINDINGS We used data from 2,020 participants in the Birth to Twenty Plus (Bt20+) study, a South African cohort following children born in Soweto, Johannesburg from birth (1990) to age 28 years (2018). Suicidal ideation was self-reported at ages 14, 17, 22, and 28 years, and the primary outcome of interest was suicidal ideation reported at any age. We assessed individual, familial, and socioeconomic characteristics at childbirth and during infancy, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) between ages 5 and 13 years, and externalizing and internalizing problems between 5 and 10 years. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation for individuals exposed to selected childhood factors using logistic regression. Lifetime suicidal ideation was reported by 469 (23.2%) participants, with a 1.7:1 female/male ratio. Suicidal ideation rates peaked at age 17 and decreased thereafter. Socioeconomic adversity, low birth weight, higher birth order (i.e., increase in the order of birth in the family: first, second, third, fourth, or later born child), ACEs, and childhood externalizing problems were associated with suicidal ideation, differently patterned among males and females. Socioeconomic adversity (OR 1.13, CI 1.01 to 1.27, P = 0.031) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation among males only, while birth weight (OR 1.20, CI 1.02 to 1.41, P = 0.03), ACEs (OR 1.11, CI 1.01 to 1.21, P = 0.030), and higher birth order (OR 1.15, CI 1.07 to 1.243, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation among females only. Externalizing problems in childhood were significantly associated with suicidal ideation among both males (OR 1.23, 1.08 to 1.40, P = 0.002) and females (OR 1.16, CI 1.03 to 1.30, P = 0.011). Main limitations of the study are the high attrition rate (62% of the original sample was included in this analysis) and the heterogeneity in the measurements of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS In this study from South Africa, we observed that early life social and environmental adversities as well as childhood externalizing problems are associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence and early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Orri
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, Inserm U1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Marilyn N. Ahun
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sara Naicker
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sahba Besharati
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada
| | - Linda M. Richter
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bhargav M, Swords L. Role of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness and psychological distress in the association between adverse childhood experiences and suicidal ideation in college students. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e39. [PMID: 35109950 PMCID: PMC8867856 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a detrimental impact on short- and long-term mental and physical health. A growing body of research has indicated that the prevalence of suicidal phenomena is significantly higher among individuals with a history of ACEs. However, there is a lack of understanding about processes that result in ACEs leading to suicidal ideation when testing within a theoretical framework. AIMS To develop and test a multidimensional model that would explain the association between ACEs and suicidal ideation in college students. METHOD Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey completed by 321 college students primarily recruited from universities in Ireland. Participants were aged 18-21 (n = 176) and 22-25 years (n = 145). An ACEs questionnaire, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire, which assessed thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, the CORE-10, which assessed psychological distress, and the Suicide Ideation Scale (SIS) were administered. RESULTS After controlling for gender and sexual orientation, results revealed a significant direct effect of ACEs on suicidal ideation such that more accumulated ACEs were associated with higher suicidal ideation (effect size 0.30; 95% CI 0.047-0.538). A significant indirect effect of ACEs on suicidal ideation through perceived burdensomeness and psychological distress, and thwarted belongingness and psychological distress, was observed (effect size 0.90; 95% CI 0.558-1.270). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that ACEs have a detrimental impact on college students' mental health. Results highlight the potential benefits of ACE-informed interventions that target thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness to countervail suicidal ideation in college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Bhargav
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Swords
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland; and Trinity Research in Childhood Centre, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Ireland
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The global and regional burden of sexual behaviors and food insecurity and their combined association on the magnitude of suicidal behaviors among 121,248 adolescent girls: An international observational study in 67 low- and middle-income and high-income countries. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:481-491. [PMID: 34774975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity and early sexual behaviors increase the risk of suicidal behavior, however their combined association on social behaviors receive little attention. Therefore, this study estimated the magnitude of adolescent global suicidal burden, it correlates with food insecurity and sexual behaviors, and assessed the combined association of food insecurity and sexual behaviors on the burden of suicidal behaviors (SBs) among school-going adolescent girls aged between 11 and 17 years. METHODS The study design is multi-county, and pooled cross-sectional in nature. Data for 67 countries from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were used. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate national and overall pooled estimates of suicidal behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors and the combined associations of sexual behaviors and food insecurity on adolescent SBs in the context of global, regional, and country income groups and adjusted by a set of explanatory factors. RESULTS The study included 121,248 girls aged 11-17 years. The population-weighted prevalence of high-level (SBs) was 40.65% among school-going girls who experienced sexual intercourse and 7.41% among those who reported severe food insecurity. However, the burden of SBs varied according to type of sexual behaviors and the age. The burden of SB among girls who had sexual intercourse with 1-2 sex partners, 3-4 sex partners, or >4 sex partners was 11.49%, 13.28%, or 18.43%, respectively. The high-level SB was double (23.08%) among adolescent girls who had first sexual intercourse aged 11-13 years old compared to adolescent girls aged 14-17 years (11.49%). The burden of SBs (for at least one SB, for two SBs, or for three SBs) were significantly associated with adolescent girls who experienced sexual intercourse (relative risk ratio, RRR = 2.04, 95% confidence interval, CI:1.83-2.28; RRR = 2.24, 1.99-2.52; RRR = 1.86, 1.59-2.18), sexual intercourse with four or more sex partners (RRR = 1.44, 1.15-1.79; RRR = 1.65, 1.33-2.06; RRR = 2.47, 1.94-3.16), first sexual intercourse aged 11-13 years (RRR = 1.22, 1.02-1.46; RRR = 1.51, 1.26-1.82; RRR = 2.26, 1.81-2.83), compared to adolescents who had no experience of SBs. Compared to adolescent girls who did neither experience food insecurity nor sexual intercourse, the overall burden of SBs (for at least one SB, for two SBs or for three SBs) were significantly higher among girls reporting to have experienced both food insecurity and sexual intercourse (RRR = 1.55, 1.29-1.86; RRR = 1.70, 1.42-2.04; RRR = 1.54, 1.26-1.88); and those reporting having experienced food insecurity but have never had sexual intercourse (RRR = 1.66, 1.48-1.87; RRR = 1.45, 1.26-1.67; RRR = 1.62, 1.36-1.92). However, it was significantly lower among girls reporting to have had sexual intercourse but never experienced food insecurity. This association was extended among adolescents in the context of regional and country income groups. CONCLUSION The high burden of suicidal behaviors among adolescents calls for an urgent policy interventions to address food insecurity as a means to keep adolescents in school. The interventions should also aim to integrate safeguards that dissuade youngsters from early sex and protect them from sexual victimisation, and the associated adverse outcomes that that hamstring the attainment of SDG 3.4.2.
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Pozuelo JR, Desborough L, Stein A, Cipriani A. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Depressive Symptoms and Risky Behaviors Among Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:255-276. [PMID: 34015483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies conducted in high-income countries have found an association between depressive symptoms and risky behaviors among adolescents. Evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 90% of the world's adolescents live, remains scarce. This meta-analysis systematically reviewed evidence examining the association between depressive symptoms and risky behaviors among adolescents in LMICs. METHOD Fifteen electronic databases were searched for published or unpublished cohort and case-control studies about adolescents in LMICs. The primary outcome was the association (odds ratio [OR]) between depressive symptoms and risky sexual behavior and substance use. Secondary outcomes included delinquency, adverse school behavior, self-harm, and suicidal behavior. ORs from all studies were pooled using the random-effects model. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and strength of the overall body of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS Searches yielded 31,148 potentially relevant studies. After screening, 33 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 30 comprised the meta-analysis. Studies encompassed 35,918 adolescents living in 17 LMICs: 5 from Africa, 7 from Asia, and 5 from Latin America and the Caribbean. Adolescents with depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior (OR 1.3 95% CI 1.1-1.5) and substance use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.2) compared with nondepressed adolescents. Results for secondary outcomes showed a similar pattern, with higher delinquency (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.6), self-harm (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3-14.4), and suicidal behavior (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.3-18.9) among adolescents with depression compared with healthy adolescents. CONCLUSION This study suggests that adolescents with depression in LMICs carry a double burden: depression and increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors. This combination may lead to further psychological and physical health problems that persist over the life course and may impose a health burden on society as a whole. Taken together, these findings highlight the urgent need for scalable and sustainable approaches to prevent and/or treat depression among adolescents in resource-poor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruiz Pozuelo
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Lucy Desborough
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Stein
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Motsa MPS, Chiou HY, Chen YH. Association of chronic diseases and lifestyle factors with suicidal ideation among adults aged 18-69 years in Eswatini: evidence from a population-based survey. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2245. [PMID: 34893094 PMCID: PMC8665558 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background How chronic diseases and lifestyle affect suicidal ideation in the sub-Saharan region remains unclear. We investigated the association of chronic diseases and lifestyle with suicidal ideation in the past year and the potential modifying role of sociodemographic status on this association. The findings can guide suicide prevention interventions. Methods We analyzed 3026 respondents from the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance conducted in Eswatini in 2014. The outcome was past-year suicidal ideation, and the main predictors were chronic diseases and lifestyle. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate predictors, and subgroup analysis was performed to assess effect modification. Results The prevalence of past-year suicidal ideation was 9.9%. After adjustment for covariates, including sex, marital status, employment status, and education level, individuals aged 18–30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–4.22) were more likely to have had past-year suicidal ideation than those aged 45–69 years. After adjustment for covariates among employed individuals, having high blood pressure (aOR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.54–7.40), not exercising (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.09–6.39), drinking alcohol (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.14–5.05), being aged 18–30 years (aOR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.01–12.1), and being exposed to threats (aOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.01–5.53) were significantly associated with past-year suicidal ideation. Conclusions Among currently employed individuals, having high blood pressure, not exercising, and drinking alcohol were associated with past-year suicidal ideation. The findings highlight the importance of developing and strengthening systems for early identification of suicidal ideation risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mfundi President Sebenele Motsa
- PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Chiou
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan.,Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei City, 110, Taiwan.
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Lee WC, Fang SC, Chen YY, Liu HC, Huang MC, McKetin R. Exploring the mediating role of methamphetamine use in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and attempted suicide. Addict Behav 2021; 123:107060. [PMID: 34343924 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine (METH) use and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour. However, whether METH use underlies the risk of suicide attributable to ACEs is unknown and warrants investigation to inform preventive interventions. In this study, we examined the mediating role of METH use in the relationship between attempted suicide and ACEs. METHOD METH users recruited from a mandatory detoxification center (n = 346) and healthy controls (n = 342) both completed a survey related to 9 types of ACE, which was based the Family Health Questionnaire. A lifetime history of attempted suicide was obtained using the Chinese version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. We conducted a bootstrapped mediation analysis to examine the mediating effect of METH use on the association between ACEs and attempted suicide. RESULTS Female gender, METH use, and having multiple (≥3) ACEs were associated with an increased risk of attempted suicide. A dose-response relationship between the number of ACEs and suicide rate was observed among individuals with METH use. METH use significantly mediated the association between ACEs and attempted suicide in those with multiple (2 and 3 ACEs respectively with proportion mediated 0.16 and 0.42) and specific types of ACEs (physical abuse, witnessing maternal battering, household substance abuse, sexual abuse, and parental separation with proportion mediated 0.25, 0.35, 0.38, 0.48, 0.47 respectively). CONCLUSION Our study is the first to demonstrate that METH use partially mediates the association between ACEs and attempted suicide. Addressing METH use in people with ACEs could reduce their suicide risk.
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Falconer NS, Casale M, Kuo C, Nyberg BJ, Hillis SD, Cluver LD. Factors That Protect Children From Community Violence: Applying the INSPIRE Model to a Sample of South African Children. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:11602-11629. [PMID: 31948335 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519898425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Community violence is a prevalent form of interpersonal violence in South Africa for children living in low-income areas. Trauma arising from violence exposure is of concern in contexts where access to treatment is often unattainable. As simultaneous multisectoral strategies show higher potential to counter interpersonal violence than single interventions, the World Health Organization with partners created INSPIRE. INSPIRE takes an integrated approach coordinated across formal and informal settings of civil and private society. Responding to research paucity on methods that counter community violence in LMIC settings, this study employed a cross-sectional correlational design consisting of a sample of 2,477 children aged 10 to 17 years from the Young Carers 2009-2010 study conducted in a low-income, HIV-endemic province of South Africa highly affected by community violence. Multiple logistic regressions assessed individual and dose associations between four INSPIRE-based violence prevention strategies-positive parenting, basic necessities, formal social support, and school structural support-and direct and indirect community violence outcomes. Three strategies had significant associations with community violence outcomes: necessities (direct p < .001; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = .57; indirect p < .01; AOR = .62), formal support (direct p < .05; AOR = .83; indirect p < .05; AOR = .73), and school support (direct p < .001; AOR = .53; indirect p < .001; AOR = .49). Combined interventions in direct and indirect community violence analyses demonstrated that children reporting a higher number of strategies were less likely to have experienced community violence. This outcome extends the results of longitudinal studies in South Africa highlighting social protection with care as a means to overcome structural deprivation strains, thereby reducing the likelihood of children's exposure to community violence. Moreover, these findings uphold the INSPIRE model as an effective cross-sectoral approach to prevent and reduce the community violence that children experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Suzanne Falconer
- GlobalFingerprints, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Two Sparrows Consulting, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Marisa Casale
- University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- University of Oxford, UK
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Beverly J Nyberg
- Clemson University, SC, USA
- Common Root Consulting, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Susan D Hillis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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