Violence, Psychological Distress and the Risk of Suicidal Behaviour in Young People in India

A cross-sectional study was done with 3662 youth (16-24 years) from rural & urban communities in Goa, India. Suicidal behaviour during the recent 3 months & associated factors were assessed using a structured interview. Overall, 144 youth reported any suicidal behaviour in the previous 3 months. Suicidal behaviour was associated with female gender, not attending school or college, independent decision making, premarital sex, physical abuse at home, life time experience of sexual abuse, & probable common mental disorders. Analyses of the risk factors for suicide attempts found a similar set of factors with alcohol use as an additional independent risk factor. (50 refs.)