Self-esteem and suicidal behaviour in youth: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies / Autoestima y comportamiento suicida en jóvenes: un metaanálisis de estudios longitudinales

Background: Previous literature suggests that low self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts, but no meta-analyses have been conducted to assess this association in adolescents/young adults. The present study examined the relationship between low self-esteem and suicide attempts in young people (12-26 years old). Method: Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models (ES) and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: From 26,883 initial titles, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 9 studies had data that could be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that youths with lower self-esteem were more likely to have future suicide attempts, with an effect size (self-esteem as continuous variable) of d = .58 (95% CI = .44 - .73) and, for low self-esteem (categorical variable) an OR = 1.99 (95% CI = 1.39-2.86; p < .001). Conclusion: A low level of self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts in adolescents/young adults

Antecedentes: según la literatura, la baja autoestima es un factor de riesgo para los intentos de suicidio, pero no se han realizado metaanálisis para evaluar esta asociación entre los adolescentes/jóvenes. El presente estudio examinó la relación entre la baja autoestima y los intentos de suicidio entre los jóvenes (12-26 años de edad). Método: los metaanálisis se realizaron mediante modelos de efectos aleatorios, con tamaños del efecto (TE) y odds-ratio (OR). Se realizaron análisis de heterogeneidad y sensibilidad. Resultados: de 2.883 trabajos iniciales, 22 estudios cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, de los cuales 9 estudios tenían datos que podían incluirse en el meta-análisis. El meta-análisis mostró que los jóvenes con menor autoestima eran más propensos a tener intentos futuros de suicidio, con un tamaño del efecto (autoestima como variable continua) de TE = 0,58 (IC del 95%: 0,44 a 0,73) y para la autoestima baja (variable categórica), un OR = 1,99 (IC del 95%: 1,39 a 2,86; p<0,001). Conclusión: el bajo nivel de autoestima es un factor de riesgo para los intentos de suicidio en adolescentes/jóvenes. Se necesitan programas eficaces para aumentar los niveles de autoestima y prevenir futuros comportamientos suicidas

Self-esteem and suicidal behaviour in youth: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature suggests that low self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts, but no meta-analyses have been conducted to assess this association in adolescents/young adults. The present study examined the relationship between low self-esteem and suicide attempts in young people (12-26 years old). METHOD: Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models (ES) and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: From 26,883 initial titles, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 9 studies had data that could be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that youths with lower self-esteem were more likely to have future suicide attempts, with an effect size (self-esteem as continuous variable) of d = .58 (95% CI = .44 - .73) and, for low self-esteem (categorical variable) an OR = 1.99 (95% CI = 1.39-2.86; p < .001). CONCLUSION: A low level of self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts in adolescents/young adults.

Sociodemographic and psychopathological features of frequent attenders in Primary Care.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of frequent attenders and compare them with another group of routine attenders in three primary care centers. METHOD: The sample is composed by 232 frequent attenders (defined by number of consultations in the last year of 12 or more) and 93 routine attenders. The instruments used are: a questionnaire for the evaluation of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and the 28-item Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). RESULTS: The logistic regression shows that increase of age, low level of education, presence of chronic disease, psychiatric diagnosis and presence of psychopathological <> symptomatology establish significant differences in the group of frequent attenders in relation to the routine attenders group. There are no significant differences between men and women. CONCLUSION: Frequent attenders present higher rates of physical, mental and social complaints. Age, some chronic conditions and psychopathology are the most important factors for frequent attendance.