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Prevalence and Predictors of Suicidal Behaviours among Adolescents in Botswana

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research on social behavior and bullying has shown alarming rates of suicidal behaviors among adolescents in Botswana. A study published in PLOS ONE found that 51.5% of respondents reported contemplating suicide and 40.1% had attempted suicide in the last 12 months. The study identified several predictors of suicidal behaviors, including being male, having primary school level education, and being bullied or physically attacked.

Key Takeaways:

  • 51.5% of adolescents in Botswana reported contemplating suicide, while 40.1% had attempted suicide in the last 12 months.
  • Male learners were less likely to contemplate suicide compared to their female counterparts (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44-0.83).
  • Learners who were not bullied, physically attacked, or injured were less likely to contemplate suicide (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.13-0.39).
  • Learners with primary school level education were more likely to contemplate suicide (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14-3.95).
  • Males were less likely to attempt suicide compared to females (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47-0.97).
  • Learners who had self-confidence, were not bullied, or not physically attacked were less likely to attempt suicide.
  • Being at primary school and missing classes once or more in a week were associated with an increased likelihood of suicide attempt.

Statistics:

  • 51.5% of adolescents in Botswana reported contemplating suicide.
  • 40.1% of adolescents in Botswana had attempted suicide in the last 12 months.
  • 60.5% of males were less likely to contemplate suicide compared to females.
  • 42.9% of learners who were not bullied were less likely to contemplate suicide.
  • 75% of learners with primary school level education were more likely to contemplate suicide.

Sources:

  • Prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours among primary and secondary school going adolescents in Botswana. PLOS ONE, 2023;18(3).
  • Public Library Science, 1160 Battery Street, Ste 100, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA.
  • Kannan Navaneetham, Dept. of Population Studies, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
  • James Forty and Gobopamang Letamo, co-authors of the study.
  • NewsRx, University of Botswana Reports Findings in Bullying (Prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours among primary and secondary school going adolescents in Botswana). Education Letter. March 29, 2023; p 437.

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