Suicidality Among Young Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Hong Kong

Abstract Background:Despite concerted effort in suicide research and prevention across countries, youth suicide remains a significant public health concern in Hong Kong and nationwide. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidality among secondary school students in Hong Kong. Methods:Data were derived from the 2016 Youth Sexuality Survey initiated by the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong using a stratified random sample of 3,672 secondary school students aged 12 to 18 years in Hong Kong. Suicidality was measured in four progressive levels (suicidal ideation, suicidal plan, suicidal attempts and suicidal attempts requiring medical attention). Multivariable cumulative logit model analysis was used to identify significant risk factors of suicidality.Results:Female students reported more suicidality than their male counterparts (28.0% versus 17.0%, respectively). Multivariable cumulative logit model analysis showed that female gender, age, unhappy school life, disharmony with classmates, unhappy family life, living with mother, acceptance of mothers’ discipline, not sleeping for more than 9 hours on weekdays, alcohol consumption, non-suicidal self-injury, and dissatisfaction with life were significantly associated with suicidality. Limitations:Due to cross-sectional design, causality between suicidality, individual psychosocial and psychological characteristics cannot be established.Conclusions:Suicidal behaviour among Chinese young adolescents remains prevalent in Hong Kong. Family disintegration, school-related problems, and life satisfaction are significant predictors of suicidal behaviour in this study. There is a pressing need to restore optimal mental health among youth adolescents via interdisciplinary collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, stakeholders and mental health experts. The involvement of stakeholders in the community in suicide research and prevention is pivotal in mental health promotion for young adolescents.