Factors Influencing Suicidal Thoughts in Rural Tamil Nadu Adolescents

Abstract Suicide is a pressing public health issue among adolescents globally, particularly in low- and middle-income regions like Tamil Nadu. Despite ample evidence from developed nations linking suicidal ideation (SI) in adolescents to social and individual factors, research from low- and middle-income countries is limited. This study is the first to explore SI prevalence and its social determinants among rural Tamil Nadu adolescents, focusing on socioeconomic status (SES). Drawing from two studies conducted in 2023, involving 4,598 adolescents aged 13-19, this paper utilized data from a cross-sectional survey in a rural Tamil Nadu community. Results from Study - I revealed a lifetime SI prevalence of 14%, with a significant proportion being female (68%), unmarried (5.8%), and students (6.4%). SI was notably associated with age, education, occupation, and living arrangements. Adolescents aged 17-19, with SSC/HSC education, day laborers, and those not living with parents showed elevated odds ratios for SI. SI prevalence was higher among adolescents from low-income families, with parental education, marital status, and house ownership significantly influencing SI odds. Adolescents with single parents and those with parents having lower education levels exhibited higher SI odds. However, adolescents from households owning a house had lower SI odds.This research underscores a moderately high prevalence of SI among rural Tamil Nadu adolescents. It highlights the significant influence of personal and familial characteristics, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective interventions to address adolescent suicidal ideation in low-resource settings.