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Original research
Ref Number: APCP-RP-109

Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Risk Behaviours on Adolescent Suicidality and Self-Harm: Preliminary Results of a Study from Northern Sri Lanka

Visvalingam Arunath¹, Uthayakumar Purushothaman¹, Sachith Mettananda²
1- District General Hospital, Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka 2- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kealniya, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Visvalingam Arunath (arunkarthi91@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Adolescent self-injury and suicidality represent significant public health challenges, often rooted to life stressors. Although Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are known precursors for self-injury and suicidality , data among Sri Lankan adolescents are limited. Objectives: To determine the incidence of self-harm and suicidality (suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt) and to describe their associations with ACEs, risk behaviours and mental health issues among 16-17-year-old school-going adolescents in Vavuniya district, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents in Vavuniya district, Sri Lanka, using a pre-tested selfadministered questionnaire. ACEs questions were adapted from 17-item Paediatric ACEs Screening and Related Life-events Screener. Ethical approval was obtained, and the data were analysed using SPSS. Results: A total of 461 adolescents were recruited, of whom 57% had experienced at least one ACE. The incidence of selfharm and suicidality during the past year was reported as 14.1% for self-injury , 11.1% for suicidal ideation, and 5.9% for suicidal attempts. ACEs were significantly associated with increased risks for self-injury and suicidality (p
Keywords: Self-injury and suicidality; Adolescent suicidality; Mental health issues
Presentation Type: Original research
Disclaimer: The Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors and not of the journal.
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