Detailed contribution information

Back to list

Contribution title Suicide in Children and Youth: A Study of Life Trajectories and Psychological Autopsies
Contribution code D3.131
Authors
  1. Fatma Charfi Faculty of Medicine of Tunis - University of Tunis El Manar Presenter
  2. Khadija Zakhama Department of Child and adolescent Psychiatry- Mongi Slim Hospital –Tunis, Tunisia
  3. Awatef Koraichi Direction régionale de la santé de la Manouba
  4. Emna Chtioui Department of Child and adolescent Psychiatry- Mongi Slim Hospital –Tunis, Tunisia
  5. Monique Séguin Université du Québec en Outaouais, Department of Psychology, Canada
  6. Khaled Bchi Faculty of Medicine of Tunis- University of Tunis El Manar
  7. Cyrine Azza Manoubi Faculty of Medicine of Tunis- University of Tunis El Manar
  8. Mohamed Allouch Faculty of Medicine of Tunis- University of Tunis El Manar
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T40 - Suicide
Abstract Suicide is a significant public health concern that can affect children and adolescents. Little is known about the causes of early suicide. Our study aimed to explore early adversity and the presence of mental health conditions in children and youth who died by suicide.
Method: We conducted a retrospective study in Greater Tunis. Twenty-six suicide cases under the age of 25 were compared to 26 control cases with no suicidal behavior in the past year, matched for age, gender, and geographical region. The psychological autopsy method involved interviewing parents of suicide cases to determine psychiatric disorders using the Kiddie-Sads-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). The Life Trajectory Calendar questionnaire assessed life events and protective factors.
Results: The mean age was 15.8 years, with 11 girls and 15 boys. Hanging was the most frequent method of suicide (20 cases). Thirteen suicide cases had experienced school failure in the past year (versus 4 controls). In the last six months, 21 suicide cases (versus 3 controls) had a psychiatric diagnosis, primarily mood disorders (6 depressive disorder, 5 bipolar disorder and 3 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Violence and family conflicts were significantly more prevalent in the suicide group.
Conclusion: This study is the first in Tunisia conducted on suicide cases. Early suicide can be explained by major adversity with cumulative factors and the presence of mental health conditions. Preventive strategies must be implemented for vulnerable children and adolescents.