Suicidal ideation in adolescents aged 11 to 15 years: prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE To verify the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents aged 11 to 15 years. METHOD Cross-sectional population-based study. Adolescents completed a self-report that contained the Children's Depression Inventory. Suicidal ideation was measured according to item 9 of the Children's Depression Inventory. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied using a hierarchical model. RESULTS 1145 adolescents were invited to participate, and 1039 were interviewed (refusal rate: 9.26%). The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 14.1%. Factors associated to suicidal ideation: female gender, current alcohol consumption, use of illicit drugs, symptoms indicating conduct disorders and high Children's Depression Inventory scores for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Prevention strategies should focus on female adolescents, especially those sexually active with probable mental health problems and substance use.