Factors associated with recent suicide attempts among high-risk callers aged 12-25 to a suicide prevention hotline

Objective To compare the differences in demographic and socio-psychological factors between those with suicide plans and those with suicide attempts within two weeks among high-risk callers aged 12-25 to a suicide prevention hotline, and to explore factors related to recent suicide attempts in this high-risk population.

Methods All high-risk callers aged 12-25 to a suicide prevention hotline between 2017 and 2018 were divided into two groups: the suicide plan group (those having no suicide attempts in the past 2 weeks but with a suicide plan set to be executed within the next 72 hours) and the suicide attempt group (those who had suicide attempts in the past 2 weeks or attempting suicide while calling). Their levels of depression were assessed using a depression diagnostic screening scale. Additionally, inquiries were made regarding alcohol or substance misuse, suicide attempt history, acute and chronic life events, etc. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of suicide attempts.

Results A total of 2,000 high-risk callers aged 12-25 were included. Among them, 1,130 callers (56.5%) reported having suicide attempts within past two weeks and were included in the suicide attempt group; 870 callers reported having suicide plans set to be executed within 72 hours (with no suicide attempts in the past two weeks) and were included in the suicide plan group. Compared to the suicide plan group, the proportion of female callers in the suicide attempt group was higher, while the proportion of young adults (18-25 years old) was lower (P＜0.05). After controlling for variables such as gender and age, there was a higher proportion of individuals with suicide attempt history and alcohol or substance abuse in the suicide attempt group (P＜0.05). Other socio-psychological variables such as acute and chronic life events, depression, history of being abused, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P＞0.05).

Conclusion A history of prior suicide attempts and alcohol or substance misuse may be factors that prompt suicide-risk callers aged 12-25 to act on their suicide plans; hotline operators should pay more attention to callers with these characteristics.