Evaluation of Suicidal Ideation levels and predisposing factors in Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young people worldwide, a phenomenon that continues to rise due to psychological, familial, and social factors such as mental disorders, violence, and lack of support. The aim of this study was to determine the level of suicidal ideation and the predisposing factors in consulting adolescents and young people aged 12 to 29 years in Portoviejo, Ecuador. A descriptive, non‑experimental, cross‑sectional study with a mixed‑methods approach was conducted using a non‑probabilistic sample of 56 participants. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation and a semi‑structured interview were applied. Results showed that 58.93% of participants presented low suicidal ideation, while 30.36% showed high ideation, with higher prevalence among males (50%) and those aged 16 to 19 years (53.85%). Predisposing factors included depression and anxiety (47.83%), family history of mental health problems or substance dependence (43.48%), psychological violence, bullying, and sexual violence (43.48% each), as well as lack of social support (34.78%) and previous self‑harm (82.61%). Furthermore, 39.13% reported the onset of suicidal ideation between ages 7 and 11, and another 39.13% between ages 12 and 15. In conclusion, low suicidal ideation predominated, followed by high ideation (particularly among males). Risk factors such as a history of anxiety and depression and experiences of violence were prominent, highlighting the need for early, context‑specific preventive interventions, with priority given to males and youth aged 16 to 19 years