Factors Associated With Suicide in Four West African Countries Among Adolescent Students: An Analysis Using the Global School-Based Student Health Survey.

PURPOSE: Globally, suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, with the highest burden of suicide occurring in Africa. Despite this, little is known about the epidemiology of suicide among adolescents in West Africa. In this study, we explore suicidality among West African adolescents. METHODS: Using pooled data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey in four West African countries (Ghana, Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone), we investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt and examined associations with 15 covariates using univariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 18.6% of adolescents in the pooled sample (N = 9,726) had considered suicide, while 24.7% reported attempting suicide. Significant correlates of suicide attempt included older age (16+ years; odds ratio [OR]: 1.70, confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.63), difficulty sleeping due to worry (OR: 1.27, CI: 1.04-1.56), loneliness (OR: 1.65, CI: 1.39-1.96), truancy (OR: 1.38. CI: 1.05-1.82), being a target of bullying (OR: 1.53, CI: 1.26-1.85), getting physically attacked (OR: 1.73, CI: 1.42-2.11), physical fighting (OR: 1.47, CI: 1.21-1.79), current cigarette use (OR: 2.71, CI: 1.88-3.89), and initiation of drug use (OR: 2.19, CI: 1.71-2.81). Conversely, having close friends was associated with lower odds of suicide attempt (OR: 0.67, CI: 0.48-0.93). Several covariates were also significantly associated with suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION: Suicidal ideation and attempts are highly prevalent among school-going adolescents in these West African countries. Multiple modifiable risk and protective factors were identified. Programs, interventions, and policies aimed at addressing these factors may play a significant role in preventing suicides in these countries.

Metabolomics of sleep disorders in HIV: a narrative review.

PURPOSE: Sleep disturbances are prevalent among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even those who are being treated on antiretroviral therapy. It is important to understand the metabolomic mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: A review of recent literature was performed to explore the use of metabolomics in understanding sleep among PLWH. RESULTS: We found only two studies that used metabolomics to explore sleep health among PLWH. CONCLUSION: This paper reviews common sleep disorders in HIV, the existing metabolomic studies that may explain the relationship, and implications for future research. The use of metabolomics in exploring sleep disorders among PLWH will help to elucidate mechanistic links to improve patient outcomes.

Metabolomics, sleepiness, and sleep duration in sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: Although the mechanism is unclear, daytime sleepiness, a common sequela of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been found to be correlated with a adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Reviewing metabolomics mechanisms of sleep disturbances and cardiovascular disease may help to explain this correlation. METHODS: This review examines the current literature on the relationships between sleepiness, sleep duration, and metabolites in sleep apnea. RESULTS: Although there is a lack of comprehensive literature in this emerging area, existing studies point to a variety of metabolites in different pathways that are associated with sleepiness and sleep duration. CONCLUSION: Advancing metabolomics research in sleep apnea will guide symptom research and provide alternate and novel opportunities for effective treatment for patients with OSA.