Adolescent suicide in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT

Previous research in Trinidad and Tobago has been limited in examining suicidal behavior through psychological autopsy, secondary data and psychiatric populations. To date there has been no community survey with an emphasis on causation and prevention. A total of 1.845 respondents age 14-20 were selected in 24 schools across the country. Data were collected on socio demographic variables and suicidal behavior. Gender differences existed for both suicidal ideation and attempts (p<0.001). Respondents from reconstituted families had higher suicidal ideation compared to other family structures (p<0.001), while intact families had the lowest rate if suicide attempts (p<0.001). Attendance to religious institutions lowered only suicide ideation (p<0.05), while prayer with the family lowered both suicidal ideation (p<0.01) and suicidal attempts (p<0.001). Individual with alcohol abuse in the family had a higher suicidal ideation (p<0.001) and attempts (p<0.001). Significant social predictors of suicidal behaviour in Trinidad and Tobago are gender, attendance to religious institution, prayer with family, family structure and alcohol abuse in the family. It is essential to consider these predictors in planning public health policies.