Year: 2001 Source: Journal of School Health, v.71, no.1, (January 2001), p.23-29 SIEC No: 20010854

This study explored patterns of health risk behaviours among Japanese high school students. Self-administered questionnaires were employed in 1999 using a sample of 1,466 Grades 10-12 students at 7 public senior high schools in Okinawa. Among other things, students were asked if they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous 12 months. 10.1% of 1,311 respondents reported suicidal ideation with the highest percentage occurring among Grade 11 students (11.6% versus 9.5% for Grade 10 students & 9.1% for Grade 12 students). 11.9% of female students reported suicidal ideation compared to 8.3% of male students. (35 refs.)