Prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt: associations with psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Northern Uganda.

Journal: African health sciences

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Year of Publication: 2018

Affiliated Institutions:  Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda. Makerere University, Child Health and Development Centre, School of Medicine, Mulago Hill, Kampala, Uganda. Stellenbosch University, Department of Psychology, South Africa. Department of Statistical Methods, Makerere University, COBAMS, Makerere Hill, Kampala Uganda. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda/MRC-DFID African Leadership Award, - Nakiwogo Street, Entebbe, Uganda.

Abstract summary 

Research on the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, and cormorbid psychiatric disorders in post-conflict areas is still limited.We explored the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt, associated psychiatric disorders and HIV/AIDS in post-conflict Northern Uganda, an area that experienced civil strife for over two decades.A total of 2400 respondents (aged 18 and above) and randomly selected in three districts (Gulu, Amuru and Nwoya), were interviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for associations between suicidality (suicidal ideation and attempt) and psychiatric cormorbidities.The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt were 12.1 % and 6.2 % respectively. Suicidality was significantly (P<0.001) higher among respondents with major depressive disorder (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 9.5; 95%CI= 7.4, 12.1) and post-traumatic stress disorder (adjusted OR =2.4; 95%CI= 1.6, 3.6). Men had lower odds of ideating or attempting suicide compared to women (adjusted OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.38, 0.82).The prevalence rate of suicide ideation and attempt indicate a major public health problem in post-conflict Northern Uganda. Effective public mental health programs that that target both suicidality and psychiatric co-morbodities will be vital. Special attention should be given to women in post conflict Northern Uganda.

Authors & Co-authors:  Mugisha James J Muyinda Herbert H Kagee Ashraf A Wandiembe Peter P Mpugu Stephen Kiwuwa SK Vancampfort Davy D Kinyanda Eugene E

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Beautrais AL1, Joyce P,R, Mulder R,T, Fergusson D,M, Deavoll B,J, Nightingale S,K. Prevalence and comorbidity of mental disorders in persons making serious suicide attempts: a case-control study. Am J Psychiatry. 1996;153(8):1009–1014.
Authors :  7
Identifiers
Doi : 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.20
SSN : 1729-0503
Study Population
Men,Women
Mesh Terms
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Other Terms
Suicide attempt;cormorbidity;ideation;post-conflict Northern Uganda
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Uganda
Publication Country
Uganda