Suicide attempts in Ethiopian adolescents in Addis Abeba high schools.

Suicide is currently recognized as one of the leading causes of death of adolescents and young adults worldwide. A representative sample of all high-school students in Addis Abeba in 1989/90 academic calendar was surveyed to estimate life-time prevalence and risk factors of suicide attempts. 14.3% of the adolescents reported having attempted suicide. 17.5% usually felt hopeless. Suicide attempts were strongly and linearly associated with hopelessness, grade, and heavy alcohol intake. No significant associations were observed between attempts and age, sex, family history of suicide or parental educational level. It is concluded that a substantial proportion of adolescents attempt suicide and also exhibit the risk factors.