Background The Union Territory of Puducherry has a high rate of suicide in India. This study aims to find the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and suicide attempts and the risk factors of suicidal behaviours. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above in rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale questionnaire was used. Prevalence ratio was estimated to assess the factors associated. Results The 12-month and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was reported to be 12.5% (95% CI: 10.4–15.0%) and 20% (95% CI: 17.4–22.9%), respectively. About 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3–1.5%) and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.2–3.3%) of the participants had suicide plan in past 12 months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Around 1% (95% CI: 0.5–2.0%) and 5.7% (95% CI: 4.3–7.6%) of the participants had attempted suicide in past 12 months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Family issues, physical abuse, unemployment and place of residence were significantly associated with suicidal ideation in multivariable analysis. Conclusion Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were very high in the study area. Unemployment, physical abuse and family issues were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour.

AbstractObjectivesPhysical fitness is an important indicator of health and longevity. This can reduce morbidity and mortality of Non-communicable diseases. We aimed to assess the physical fitness among early adolescents and its association with age, gender and obesity.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional analytical study in a public school in Puducherry, south India among early adolescents (aged 10–14 years). We assessed the physical fitness components like body composition (body mass index, waist circumference), muscular strength and endurance (hand grip test, curl up test), flexibility (sit and reach test, shoulder stretch test), agility (shuttle run test) and cardio respiratory and endurance (600-yard run test).ResultsA total of 263 children were included; 141 (54%) were girls. 30 children (11%) were thin and 57 (22%) were either obese or overweight. Overall, median (IQR) right- and left-hand grip strength was 10 (6–14) and 13 (7–18) unit of kg respectively. Median (IQR) curl-ups performed in a minute were 14 (10–20). About 13% of children failed to perform left shoulder stretch. Children aged 12–14 years had higher median (IQR) right hand grip strength [14.5 (12–22) unit of kg] compared to children aged 10 and 11 years [6 (4–12) unit of kg] and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The performance was similar in all tests between boys and girls except for left hand grip strength; boys had higher grip strength compared to girls (p=0.02). In girls, children who belonged to thinner BMI category performed better than obese children in shuttle run test (p=0.03).ConclusionThere was a significant difference in physical fitness based on age except in left and right shoulder stretch test. Since the prevalence of overweight/obesity was high in adolescents, creating awareness and enabling environment related to the physical fitness is important.