Explaining Suicidal Behavior Among Adolescents in the Urban Community Context: Insights From a School-Based Study in Depok City, Indonesia

Abstract

Suicidal behavior among adolescents is a growing global mental health concern. In addition to underreporting in the Global South or low-middle-income countries, studies on suicidal behavior among adolescents are still limited. Moreover, suicidal behavior can be triggered by various factors related to rapid urbanization, but there is a lack of studies exploring the determinants of suicidal behavior among adolescents in specific urban community context in the Global South. The present study aimed to describe the suicidal behavior among adolescents in an urban community in Indonesia, as well as explain the factors contributing to such a public health problem. This cross-sectional study is based on the data from 446 respondents who participated in an online School Climate Survey at two public junior high schools in Depok City, Indonesia. Measured using a composite suicidal behavior index, around 7% participants (n = 29, the majority of whom were female) reported ever having suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. Variables related to student-parent relationships, school and social support, and exposure to antisocial behavior were assessed for their effect on suicidal behavior. A logistic regression analysis revealed that being an adolescent female, the amount of time spent with family, exposure to physical assault, and truancy predicted suicidal behavior in adolescents. The study adds to the existing limited body of knowledge on suicidal behavior among adolescents in the urban community context of countries in the Global South and provides suggestions for developing tailor-made interventions to specific adolescent characteristics.