Awareness on Suicide among Adolescents Residing in Metropolitan City, Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide is become a primary cause of mortality and illness in adolescents, worldwide and has been identified as one of the key mental health problems, which is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. The objective of the study is to find out awareness on suicide among adolescents.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 respondents in Kathmandu Metropolitian city ward no. 14, Kalanki. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire by using self-developed structured tool. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The findings of this study reveal that more than half of respondents (56.6%) had high level of awareness and (43.4%) had a low level of awareness on suicide. Despite that, less awareness on risk factors (66.2%), prevention on suicide (65.5%) and suicidal behaviour (57.2%). There was no association between level of awareness and selected variables i.e. age, sex, ethnicity, education, marital status, family type, staying with and income.

Conclusion: The study findings conclude that there is need to enhance the level of awareness among adolescents to prevent potential risk from suicidal behavior.