Youth at risk: suicidal thoughts and attempts in Vietnam, China, and Taiwan

Purpose: Despite increasing rates of suicide among youth in Asian cultures, there is a lack of suicide data among 15-24 year-olds, and little is known about the risk and protective factors for suicidality. This study examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among 15-24 year-olds and identifies the sociodemographic correlates of suicidality in Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 17,016 youth aged 15-24 years was conducted in rural and urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam; Shanghai, China; and Taipei, Taiwan in 2006. Logistic regression was used to analyze correlates of suicidal ideation and attempt across cities.

Results: The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 8.4% and 2.5% across all three cities, respectively. Suicidal ideation was highest in Taipei (17.0%), Shanghai (8.1%), and lowest in Hanoi (2.3%); similar trends were found for suicidal attempts. Younger age cohorts (15-19 year-olds) and females were more likely to report suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts compared with 20-24 year-olds and males. In multivariate logistic regression results, across the three cities, female gender, younger age, family structure, parental support, family history of suicide, migration status, and substance use were associated with suicidal ideation. Factors associated with suicidal attempt included female gender, family history of suicide, parental support, and substance use.

Discussion: Suicidality is common among Asian youth, with highest levels reported in more industrialized cities.