Risk and Protective Factors of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Rwandan Children

Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.

To identify predictors, including HIV-status, of suicidal ideation and behavior in Rwandan children ages 10–17.

Matched case-control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.

Over 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behavior in the previous six months, compared to 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting, or had caregivers with mental health problems.

Policies and programs that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behavior in children at increased risk related to HIV.

Read more at: http://ht.ly/Sg8Wl 

By: Lauren C. Ng, Ph.D.,1 Catherine M. Kirk, M.P.H.,1 Frederick Kanyanganzi, M.B.A.,2 Mary C. Smith Fawzi, Sc.D.,3Vincent Sezibera, Ph.D.,4 Evelyne Shema, B.S.,5 Justin I. Bizimana, B.S.,6 Felix R. Cyamatare, M.D.,2 and Theresa S. Betancourt, Sc.D., M.A.a

1François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA

2Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

3Program in Infectious Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

4Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda

5Department of Social Work, Rwinkwavu District Hospital, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

6Department of Mental Health, Rwinkwavu District Hospital, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda

aCorresponding Author: Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA