Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts
Matthew K. Nock, Guilherme Borges, Evelyn J. Bromet, Jordi Alonso, Matthias C. Angermeyer, Annette L. Beautrais +4 more
The British Journal of Psychiatry
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide; however, the prevalence and risk factors for the immediate precursors to suicide - suicidal ideation, plans and attempts - are not wellknown, especially in low- and middle-income countries. AIMS: To report on the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behaviours across 17 countries. METHOD: A total of 84 850 adults were interviewed regarding suicidal behaviours and socio-demographic and psychiatric risk factors. RESULTS: The cross-national lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts is 9.2% (s.e.=0.1), 3.1% (s.e.=0.1), and 2.7% (s.e.=0.1). Across all countries, 60% of transitions from ideation to plan and attempt occur within the first year after ideation onset. Consistent cross-national risk factors included be