Public Health. 2025 Dec 25;251:106122. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106122. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Personal relationships with parents, teachers, and peers strongly influence adolescent suicidal behaviors, yet limited research exists in Eastern China. This study aims to explore prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents in Eastern China, focusing on interpersonal relationships.
STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in urban and rural areas of Anhui Province using self-administered questionnaires.
METHODS: Participants (n = 2380) completed a questionnaire exploring interpersonal relationships, self-rated health, academic performance, mental health indicators (depression, anxiety and self-esteem), and the three outcome measures (self-harm, suicide ideation and suicide attempts). Logistic regression models examined associations between suicidal behaviors and potential risk factors.
RESULTS: Prevalence rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents were 19.8 %, 44.3 %, and 11.9 %, respectively. Urban residence and female gender were significant risk factors, with females having a 2.3-fold higher prevalence of suicide attempts (17.1 % vs. 7.4 %). Poor relationships with ban zhu ren (class teachers) (p = 0.002, OR:1.34 to 1.61), classmates (p < 0.001, OR: 1.77 to 1.96), father (p < 0.001, OR: 1.77 to 1.93), mother (p < 0.001, OR: 1.80 to 2.47), and between parents themselves (p < 0.001, OR: 2.43 to 2.91) were associated with increased risks of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents.
CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among adolescents underscores the urgent need for enhanced social support and professional intervention strategies.
PMID:41453254 | DOI:10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106122
