A cross-sectional study on the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideations and behaviors of senior high school students using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Author:
John Michael L. Reyes
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Suicidal Behavior;
High School Students;
Columbia- Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- MeSH:
Prevalence;
Suicidal Ideation
- From:
The Philippine Journal of Psychiatry
2023;4(2):33-41
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:In the light of increased suicide risk among adolescents, this research aimed at determining
the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideations and behaviors of senior high school students in a public
secondary school in Metro Manila using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).
Methodology:This is a descriptive cross-sectional school-based study, conducted on 236 senior high
school students, 18 years old and above, in San Juan National High School (SJNHS) in San Juan, Metro
Manila. The study employed convenience sampling. Upon selection, the C-SSRS was administered. Data
on four constructs of suicide were gathered: 1) suicidal ideation severity; 2) intensity, which was
quantified in terms of frequency, duration, control, deterrents and reasons for suicidal ideation; 3)
suicidal behavior rated on a nominal subscale as actual, aborted, interrupted, preparatory behavior and
non-suicidal injurious behavior; and lastly 4) lethality of actual suicide attempts on a 6-point ordinal scale,
and if actual lethality was zero, potential lethality was further rated on a 3-point ordinal scale.
Results:The majority (67.8%) had mild suicidal ideations; 37.71% had active suicidal ideations with intent
but not necessarily a specific plan and only 13.98% had active suicidal ideation with intent to act and a
specific plan. The intensity of suicidal ideation was not that frequent in 35.59% of the respondents
i.e.18.64% 1x/ week and 16.95% less than 1x/ week. About a third (30.07%) had very short duration of
suicidal ideations i.e. fleetingly (19.92%) or less than an hour/ day (11.02%). A third (32.62%) were able to
easily control (18.64%) or control with minimal difficulty (13.98%). Reason for suicidal ideation were either
to get attention (10.59%) or to end the emotional pain (11.02%). A third (30.93%) had actual attempts
(15.25%) and Non -Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) (15.68%); while another 35.06 % had interrupted (16.53%) or
aborted (19.07%) attempts. Those who had actual attempts, 41.67% had no physical injury while 50 %
incurred minor injuries. Thirty- two (88.89%) had suicidal attempt that was likely to result in injury but not
likely to cause death.
Conclusion:In light of these relatively high prevalence rates for suicidal ideation and behaviors, schoolwide
intervention on education or awareness programs, gatekeeper training, peer leadership, skills
training and screening or assessment may have to be instituted to curb the increased suicide risk of the
senior high school students and further prevent suicide attempts.
- Full text:PJ Psychiatry 4.pdf
