Abstract:
Background: Suicidal behavior is a major public health problem which is more common among
people with mental illness. However, the prevalence and risk factors for suicide and suicidal
behaviors are not well studied among people with mental illness, especially in low and middle
income countries.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviors among people with
mental illness at Jimma University Teaching Hospital psychiatry clinic, south west Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study design with consecutive sampling technique was
employed from October 26 /2014 to November 24 /2014. Data for suicidal behaviors were
assessed by using Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Substance related factors
were assessed by using cutdown annoyed guilt and eye opener (CAGE) and Fagerstrom test to
screen for alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence respectively. The data was analyzed by
using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results were described with
frequency table, graph, mean and standard deviation. Bivariate analysis was used to get
candidate variables for multivariate logistic regression analysis. Variables with P-value of < 0.05
at multivariate analysis were considered independent predictors of suicidal behaviors.
Results: The response rate was 100%. The prevalence of suicidal behavior was 28.6%. The
lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, intent and attempt were 21.8%, 16.9% and 16.1%
respectively. The most used method for suicide attempt was hanging. Age group of 18-27
(Adjusted OR=4.53, 95% CI=1.37,14.93), Gurage ethnic group (Adjusted OR=5.28, 95%
CI=1.47,18.97), major depressive disorders (Adjusted OR=4.48, 95% CI=1.95,10.26), having
family history of mental illness (Adjusted OR=2.25, 95% CI=1.11,4.57 ), alcohol use disorders
(Adjusted OR=2.29, 95% CI=1.08,4.85) and nicotine dependence (Adjusted OR=2.21, 95%
CI=1.08,4.53) were the independent predictors of suicidal behaviors.
Conclusion: In this study prevalence of suicidal behaviors were high. The most used methods
for suicide attempt was hanging. Co morbidity of nicotine dependence and alcohol use disorders
among people with mental illness, having family history of mental illness, Major depressive
disorder and being young age were the strong risk factors for suicidal behaviors.
Recommendation: a well organized and structured screening and management for suicide and
risks for suicide should be strengthened for people with mental illness.
