Social Predictors of Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago

Data were collected on sociodemographic variables & suicidal behaviour from 1,845 respondents, aged 14-20, from 24 schools across Trinidad & Tobago. Gender differences were found for both suicide ideation & attempts. Respondents from reconstituted families had higher ideation compared to other family structures while intact families had the lowest rate for suicide attempts. Religious attendance lowered only ideation while prayer with the family lowered ideation & attempts. Individuals with alcohol abuse in the family had higher ideation & attempts. Consideration of these predictors is essential in planning public health policies. (49 refs.) JA