Prevalence of suicidal behaviour and violence among young people

Background Violence and suicidal behaviour among young people is an enormous public mental health issue in Europe and worldwide leading to poor mental health outcomes, increased use of healthcare services and loss of life. Specifically, vulnerable are young people especially in societies were prevalence of violence and suicide rates are considerably high. Public mental health of young people in Lithuania is of a great concern due high prevalence of various determinants resulting in poor public mental health outcomes and high suicide rates. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of violence and suicidal behaviour as well as use of health care services among 15-29 years of age young population in Lithuania. Methods A cross sectional survey involving 1007 respondents aged 15-29 years in Lithuania was conducted in 2016. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied. Results 39.7% (95% CI: 34.3-45.2) of young people in Lithuania referred to have suicidal behaviour during the last 12 months, 39.5% (95% CI: 34.1-44.9) of respondents had suicidal ideations, 13.4% (95% CI: 9.7-17.1) - made plans for suicide and 2.1% (95% CI: 0.6-3.7) attempted to commit suicide during the last 12 months. Prevalence of suicide risk was very similar in both gender groups. 27.5% of young people reported experience of psychological violence, 7.26% - physical violence and 4.3% - sexual harassment within the last year. Experienced violence increases risk of suicidal behaviour from 1.85 times in case of psychological violence to 3.79 time in case of physical violence. Young adults who had suicidal behaviour and experienced violence tend to call emergency medical services and were hospitalized more often. Conclusions Experienced physical, psychological and sexual violence is related to higher risk of suicidal behaviour. Suicide prevention strategies should consider violence prevention and vigilance of health care system to address suicidal behaviour.