Abstract : INTRODUCTION:
The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of suicidal ideation
and thoughts of death in elementary school children in a European survey
and to determine the associated socio-demographic and clinical factors.
METHODS:
Data refer to children aged 6-12 (N=7062) from Italy, Turkey, Romania,
Bulgaria, Lithuania, Germany, and the Netherlands randomly selected in
primary schools. Suicidal thoughts and death ideation were measured
using a computerized pictorial diagnostic tool from the Dominic
Interactive (DI) completed by the children. The Strengths and
Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was administrated to teachers and
parents along with a socio-demographic questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Suicidal ideation was present in 16.96% of the sample (from 9.9 in Italy
to 26.84 in Germany), death thoughts by 21.93% (from 7.71% in Italy to
32.78 in Germany). SI and DT were more frequent in single-parent
families and large families. Externalizing disorders were strongly
correlated with SI and DT after controlling for other factors and this
was true for internalizing disorders only when reported by the children.
CONCLUSION:
Recognizing suicidal ideation in young children may be recommended as
part of preventive strategies such as screening in the context of the
presence of any mental health problems whether externalizing or
internalizing.
Soumis le : jeudi 30 janvier 2020 - 10:54:40
Source https://hal.ehesp.fr/hal-02460596
