The prevalence and associated factors for self-harm and suicide ideation among Chinese Indonesians during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors for self-harm and suicide ideation among Chinese Indonesians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A non-random sampling was performed through a nationwide online survey in Indonesia (May-June 2021). The online survey covered participants’ demographic information, suicide literacy, suicide stigma, loneliness, and self-harm and suicide ideation. A series of t-tests, Chi-squares, and hierarchical logistic regressions with the backward-stepwise method were used to identify the factors associated with self-harm and suicide ideation. Responses from a total of 484 Chinese Indonesians were analyzed in this study.Results: The prevalence of self-harm and suicide ideation in the two weeks preceding the survey among Chinese Indonesian people was 35.5%. The predictive model showed a significant goodness-of-fit to the observed data (x2[17]=174.1, p<.001; RN2=.41). Chinese Indonesians with an average monthly income of ≥USD 843 were found to be 0.23 (95% CI=0.07-0.99) times less likely to experience self-harm and suicide ideation than those who did not have an income. A one-point increase in the intensity of suicide glorification and loneliness were associated with 3.06 and 3.67 increase in the chance of experiencing self-harm and suicide ideation, respectively. Conclusion: One-third of Chinese Indonesians self-reported self-harm and suicide ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health and suicide prevention intervention programs are recommended to target those with low-socioeconomic status, high glorification towards suicide, and high perceived loneliness.