Prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among young adult university students

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To determine the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempt among young adult university students.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> A cross-sectional study involving six colleges from a university in Manila, from which randomization through a computer-generated random number was done. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were done to evaluate the data.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A total of 225 students participated in the study (mean age of 20.33 years). Majority were females (60.44%). Ideations of self-harm were reported in 49.33%. NSSI and suicide attempts were reported at 26.22% and 14.67%, respectively. In general, self-harm (NSSI and/or suicidal attempt) was reported at 33.78%, while 7.11% of the respondents reported both NSSI and suicidal attempt in the past. Furthermore, 2-3 out of 10 students who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide attempt. Associated factors of NSSI and suicide attempt were age, female gender, gender orientation, parental civil status, employment, economic standing, and psychopathology which support the findings cited in literature.</p><p style="text-align justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>The high prevalence of self-harm NSSI and/or suicidal attempt (33.78%) and the finding that NSSI was a gateway for suicidal attempt and that 2-3 out of ten who engaged in NSSI would have a suicide attempt underscores the need to develop an early intervention upon detecting self-harming behaviors and a preventive program for the progression of NSSI to suicide attempts.</p>