Toward integrating clinical and non-clinical associates of suicidality to inform potential intervention points among youth in Nairobi metropolitan, Kenya
: Ndetei, David; Wasserman, Danuta; Mutiso, Victoria; Bhui, Kamaldeep; Shanley, Jenelle; Musyimi, Christine; Winter, Samantha; Nyamai, Pascalyne; Walusaka, Samuel; Onyango, Veronica; Jeremiah, Eric; Osborn, Tom Lee; Swahn, Monica; Sourander, Andre; Mamah, Daniel
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
: 2026
Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health
: e33
: 13
: 2054-4251
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2026.10148
: https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2026.10148
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515790069
Suicide is a significant global public health concern, particularly among adolescents, with substantial implications for economies, societies and individuals’ mental well-being. Understanding its patterns and intention and psychosocial determinants in a given context can suggest potential intervention points. This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to document suicidal ideas, behaviors and intensity among youths aged 14 to 25 in the Nairobi metropolitan area and associated socio-economic position, demographic indicators and potential intervention points. A diverse sample of 1,972 participants was recruited from urban and peri-urban settings within the Nairobi metropolitan area. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression. Our findings confirm a high prevalence of suicidal ideas and behavior in the youth (19.9% and 3.6%, respectively), with very few significant differences between the urban and peri-urban areas. The severity of suicidal ideation and behavior reported methods and reasons, and the socio-demographic profile of participants, point to multiple potential intervention targets. These findings ought to be used to design, manage and evaluate suicide prevention programs.
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This study was funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH), Grant/Award number: 5R01MH127571–02.
