Background
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, but the precise effect of
childhood adversities as risk factors for the onset and persistence of
suicidal behaviour (suicide ideation, plans and attempts) are not well
understood.
Aims
To examine the associations between childhood adversities as risk factors
for the onset and persistence of suicidal behaviour across 21 countries
worldwide.
Method
Respondents from nationally representative samples (n = 55 299)
were interviewed regarding childhood adversities that occurred before the age
of 18 years and lifetime suicidal behaviour.
Results
Childhood adversities were associated with an increased risk of suicide
attempt and ideation in both bivariate and multivariate models (odds ratio
range 1.2–5.7). The risk increased with the number of adversities
experienced, but at a decreasing rate. Sexual and physical abuse were
consistently the strongest risk factors for both the onset and persistence of
suicidal behaviour, especially during adolescence. Associations remained
similar after additional adjustment for respondents’ lifetime mental
disorder status.
Conclusions
Childhood adversities (especially intrusive or aggressive adversities) are
powerful predictors of the onset and persistence of suicidal behaviours. |