A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Suicidal behaviours and self-harm among adolescents: Results from a school-based mental health survey in the Philippines
Authors: Alberto, Daisy Huelva; Tan, Restituta C.; Guevarra, Jonathan P.; Reyes, Alely S.; Peñalba, Irma; Abio, Anne; Sourander, Andre; Maravilla, Joemer Calderon
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Global Mental Health
Article number: e150
Volume: 12
eISSN: 2054-4251
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2025.10105
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/global-mental-health/article/suicidal-behaviours-and-selfharm-among-adolescents-results-from-a-schoolbased-mental-health-survey-in-the-philippines/F4DF683FDBE6447FA7EEFE79FF24FD2F
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/506047152
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
There is limited post-pandemic youth mental health data in low- and middle-income countries. This study describes the prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempt, and self-harm since the COVID-19 pandemic among young Filipino adolescents. Adolescents aged 13-16 years old from public and private high schools in Cavite, Philippines were recruited for a cross-sectional school survey conducted from May 2023 to February 2024. Suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and self-harm since the pandemic were determined using a self-administered questionnaire alongside socio-demographics. Internalising and externalising symptoms were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Of the 1,229 13-16-year-olds who completed the survey, 54.0% experienced suicidal ideation, 24.2% attempted suicide, and 34.2 % reported self-harm between 30 January 2020 and the date when they completed the survey. The prevalence of suicide attempts was higher among females (29.6%) than males (13.1%). Parental absence was associated with suicidal attempts (ARRR=2.93) and self-harm and/or suicidal ideation (ARRR=2.00) while living with either the biological mother or father was moderated by gender. Internalising and externalising symptom scores increased the risk for both outcomes by ≥15%. This study revealed a high prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among young adolescents in the Philippines. This calls for action to implement population-based strategies in suicide prevention, early screening and cross-sectoral intervention. © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press.
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Funding information in the publication:
This study was supported financially by the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Philippines, and the University of Turku, Finland. JCM is supported by the Centre of Research Excellence in Adolescent Health (APP1171981), which receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council in Australia
