The prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviour among adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

We examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviour among adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago, utilising cross-sectional data from 3 869 adolescents (median age = 14 years). Data were from the 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Results show that 7.1% and 6.6% of students reported to have attempted suicide once and two or more times, respectively, in the past year. Multinomial logistic regression indicated female sex, having no close friends, anxiety, frequent bullying victimisation, loneliness, frequent school truancy, current tobacco use, multiple injuries, and trouble from alcohol use were associated with two or more suicide attempts. Current cannabis use was associated with having attempted suicide once. Almost one in seven adolescent students from Trinidad and Tobago reported past-year suicide attempts. Several correlates of suicide attempts were found that may assist in designing interventions.