High risk of suicide among high-school learners in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Khuzwayo, Nelisiwe; Taylor, Monica; Connolly, Claire

doi:10.7196/samj.2018.v108i6.12843

Cited by 14 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 17 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…10 The situation in South Africa is less well documented but the available evidence suggests that the situation is equally dire. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The crude rate of suicide in South Africa in 2010 was 12.2 per 100 000. Suicide was responsible for 8% of all deaths in South Africa and a 2013 paper by the South African Medical Research Council estimated that one in five adolescents have considered suicide.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The low incidence of previously diagnosed psychiatric illness reflects lack of access to state mental health services in the province. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] This paper has documented the spectrum of self-inflicted injuries managed by a high volume trauma centre in a major city in South Africa. Self-inflicted injury is a predominantly a problem affecting young male patients less than thirty years of age.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of these, 16 had a previously established psychiatric diagnosis and two had prior histories of having sustained self-harm. The previously diagnosed psychiatric illnesses included MDD (5), schizophrenia (3), substance abuse and dependency (1), anti-social personality disorder (1) and unspecified (6). In the patients who attempted to hang themselves, 60.9% had consumed alcohol just prior to the incident.…”

Section: Demographics and Presenting Physiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One such group of patients, is those who sustain self-inflicted trauma. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Self-harm is a very broad term and there are many reasons why a patient may engage in self harm. These include major psychiatric illnesses such as psychosis and depression as well as psychological problems related to personality traits and to social stressors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition children and teenagers represent 33% of patients hospitalised after suicide attempts. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Despite this, relatively little research has been undertaken locally to explore the presentation of deliberate self-harm within the South African context and the spectrum of injury encountered, as well as the management and clinical outcome of these patients, remains largely unknown. This study reviews the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) experience with victims of self-inflicted wounds and goes on to describe the spectrum of these self-inflicted injuries as well as their management and outcome.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The spectrum of self inflicted injuries managed at a major trauma centre in South Africa

et al. 2019

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Background: Self-harm behaviour is a major public health problem that is commonly underreported. This study reviews the spectrum of these self inflicted injuries managed by a major trauma centre in South Africa. Methods: A retrospective review of the regional trauma registry was undertaken over a five-year period from December 2012 to December 2017 at the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) in South Africa. All patients who were admitted after they had sustained an injury as a result of self-harm were included. Results: During the five-year study period, a total of 179 patients were included. The mean age was 29 years (SD12) and there were 139 (77%) males and 40 (23%) females. Of these, 16 had a previously established psychiatric diagnosis and two had a prior history of having sustained self-harm. The previously diagnosed psychiatric illnesses included mood dysphoria disorders (5), schizophrenia (3), substance abuse and dependency (1), antisocial personality disorder (1) and unspecified (6). The mechanism was penetrating trauma in 47 (26%). The penetrating mechanisms included stab wounds (SW) in 33, gunshot wounds (GSW) in 10, broken glass in 2 and a single impalement. Blunt mechanisms accounted for the remaining 131 (73%) injuries. The most common mechanism of blunt self-harm was hanging in 101 patients. This was followed by vehicular related trauma (8), jumping in front of a train (1) and jumping from a height (1). In 17 patients the exact mechanism of the blunt trauma was unclear. There was no statistical difference in the mechanism of injury between male and female patients. There were 38 (28%) men and 9 (23%) women who sustained a penetrating injury and there were 100 (72%) male and 31 (78%) female patients who had a blunt mechanism of injury. A total of 53 CT scans were obtained, 40 chest X-rays, 9 abdominal X-rays and 2 ultrasounds. There were 113 neck injuries, 68 head injuries, 24 abdominal injuries, 15 upper limb and 15 lower limb injuries and four facial injuries. A total of 32 operations were performed. These included laparotomy (14), neck exploration (5), tracheostomy (4). A total of 22 patients developed a complication. Conclusion: Self-inflicted injury is not uncommon and frequently requires investigation and or surgical treatment. Patients who sustain such an injury constitute a distinct vulnerable group who are under researched. Future research on this vulnerable patient group is needed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Demographics and Presenting Physiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The spectrum of self inflicted injuries managed at a major trauma centre in South Africa

et al. 2019

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Shared experiences, shared support: A qualitative study on the importance of relatability in interpersonal relationships for youth mental health in South Africa

Henry,

Azariah,

Hughsam

et al. 2024

Camb. prisms Glob. ment. health

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Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant changes, increasing the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Understanding how youth engage with mental health resources is essential. This study explored the role of interpersonal relationships—including peer-to-peer, adult-youth, parent, teacher and mentor relationships, and interactions with mental health professionals—in shaping youth mental health engagement and identified factors influencing these relationships. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, youth researchers (YRs) and youth advisors (YAs) were engaged throughout the research process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with South African youth aged 14–24 years. The study highlighted the significance of peer relationships, particularly relatability, as key in youth mental health support. Family relationships had a mixed role, with factors like lack of mental health literacy, age differences, and cultural norms hindering effective communication and support. By understanding the dynamics of these relationships, this study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that harness social support. Enhancing the quality of relationships and promoting positive social bonds can protect against mental health problems. Addressing gaps in support by recognizing and supporting peer-to-peer engagement is essential. Findings provide valuable insights for designing strategies to promote mental well-being among youth, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

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Suicide Attempts Among 1,437 Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years Attending Junior High Schools in Ghana

Quarshie

Andoh–Arthur

2022

Crisis

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Abstract. Background: Emerging research on suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Ghana has been conducted mainly among senior high school students. Aims: We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicide attempts and describe some of the general and gender-specific associated factors among adolescents attending junior high schools (JHSs) in Ghana. Method: We analyzed data from the 2012 Ghana Global School-Based Student Health Survey. The sample consisted of 1,437 adolescents aged 12–17 years. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the associations between 12-month suicide attempts and some psychosocial factors. Results: The overall 12-month prevalence estimate of suicide attempts was 27.6%, with comparable estimates between males (26.4%) and females (28.8%). In the final adjusted multivariable models, bullying victimization (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.53, 4.31), alcohol use (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.10, 3.41), and having no close friends (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.75) were associated with increased odds of suicide attempts among males, whereas anxiety (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.54, 4.29) and being sexually active (AOR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.25, 4.68) were associated with increased odds of suicide attempts in females. Limitations: The correlational nature of this study did not allow for causal inferences. Conclusion: The study underscores adolescent suicide attempts as a public health concern in Ghana.

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High risk of suicide among high-school learners in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract: The prevalence of suicide attempts among these SA learners was high and was influenced by multiple factors. Routine surveillance systems are urgently required to develop context-based interventions for male and female learners at uMgungundlovu District rural high schools.

Cited by 14 publications

References 17 publications

The spectrum of self inflicted injuries managed at a major trauma centre in South Africa

The spectrum of self inflicted injuries managed at a major trauma centre in South Africa

Shared experiences, shared support: A qualitative study on the importance of relatability in interpersonal relationships for youth mental health in South Africa

Suicide Attempts Among 1,437 Adolescents Aged 12–17 Years Attending Junior High Schools in Ghana

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