Use of psychoactive substances by young people reporting suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts in the context of sociodemographic factors

Abstract

Aim of the study: To analyse the prevalence of psychoactive substance use by young people reporting suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, including sociodemographic factors. Material and methods: The study involved 5685 individuals aged 13 to 19 years. Seventy percent ( n = 3980) of them were girls and 30% ( n = 1705) were boys. They attended schools in the Lublin Province in Eastern Poland. Forty-six percent ( n = 2615) of those surveyed were city dwellers and 54% ( n = 3070) lived in rural areas. The mean age of the participants was 16.91 years and the median was 17 years. The participants were surveyed using a self-report questionnaire designed by the study authors. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the participants’ suicidal behaviours (thoughts, plans, and attempts) and their use of alcohol and drugs. Conclusions: Individuals who report suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are more likely to abuse alcohol and use drugs than those who do not report suicidal behaviours. Significantly more young people living in the city than in the countryside abuse alcohol and take drugs. Women who live in urban areas start drinking at a significantly lower age than their peers living in the countryside.