6.93 Suicidality and Self-Harm Behavior of Adolescents During the Early Phase of War in Ukraine

Very limited evidence is available on the psychological impact of the Ukraine war on adolescents. The study aimed to compare suicidality or self-harm behavior among adolescents in war-affected and nonwar regions during the early phase of war in Ukraine. The study hypothesis was that adolescents living in a war-affected region would have high levels of suicidality or self-harm. A cross-sectional study included 2752 students aged 11 to 17 years from Donetsk region, a war-affected region, and Kirovograd, a nonwar region. The data were collected from September 2016 to January 2017. Self-report tools were used to assess suicidality or self-harm behavior, psychopathology (PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and war trauma exposures. Adolescent girls in the war-affected region reported more frequent suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, or self-harm behavior, whereas boys reported more suicidal ideation. Boys and girls with PTSD, depression, or anxiety showed increased risk for any suicidality or self-harm. Severe depression was strongly associated with any suicidality or self-harm compared with moderate depression in both genders. In war-affected regions, exposure to 5 or more war events increased risk for any suicidality or self-harm behavior in both genders. War trauma exposure and degree of psychopathology were strongly associated with any suicidality or self-harm behavior. The gender differences in suicidal expression and determinants highlight the importance of gender-specific suicide prevention programs.