Factores diferenciados según sexo del intento suicida en infantes menores de 11 años en Boyacá, Colombia, entre los años 2018 y 2022

Abstract

Introduction

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), for the year 2019, it is estimated that approximately 703,000 people committed suicide, being the fourth leading cause of death in youth people. 494 deaths by suicide were reported in children under 14 years of age between 2018 and 2021 in Colombia. Given the above, research into childhood suicidal behavior has been limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize and differentiate the sociodemographic factors, risk factors and mechanisms used according to biological sex in suicide attempts in children under 11 years of age that were reported in the department of Boyacá, Colombia, between 2018 and 2022.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a secondary analysis of data from the notification form for the epidemiological report of the suicide attempt – INS:356 – of the Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila). The reports corresponded to 80 suicide attempts occurred in boys and girls between 5 and 11 years old.

Results

A suicide attempt rate of 1-1 was reported between boys and girls. Boys showed a higher level of risk of suicidal behavior occurring before 8 years (Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.055; OR = 9.148; 95% CI 1.90-43.89; p < 0.05). A high prevalence of low socioeconomic factors was found for both sexes (93.8%), likewise recidivism was homogeneous between boys and girls (36.3%). For both groups, the main triggering and risk factors were family (61.9%) and school problems (36.3%) and physical and psychological abuse (31.3%). A higher risk of hanging as a method was reported in boys (OR = 5.17; 95% CI 1.68-15.97; p < 0.05) and medication poisoning in girls (OR = 5.33; 95% CI 1.06-26.90; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A greater risk of early onset of suicidal behavior and use of more lethal methods in boys was reported. The majority of attempts for both groups were associated with low socioeconomic status, family and school problems, and presence of physical and psychological violence. Prevention strategies are recommended through deprivation of access to medications, primarily in girls.