Characteristics of children and adolescents under 15 years of age hospitalized for suicide attempts at a referral center in Uruguay during the first quarter of 2018 and 2024

Abstract

Introduction: attempted self-elimination (ASE) and suicide are a serious public health problem.
Objectives: to describe the characteristics of children and adolescents hospitalized for ASE at the Pediatric Hospital, Pereira Rossell Hospital Center during the first quarter of 2018 and 2024.
Methodology: a descriptive and retrospective study was conducted through a review of medical records. All children under 15 years of age admitted for ASE were included. Sociodemographic and clinical variables related to ASE (method, triggers); risk factors; follow-up and readmission in 2024 were recorded.
Results: a total of 49 children and adolescents were included (17 hospitalized in 2018 and 32 in 2024). The median age was 14 years, and 77.5% were female. In both periods, the main methods used were: drug ingestion (79.6%) and hanging (12.2%). The main triggers were family arguments (44.8%) and family dysfunction (18.4%). Risk factors for ASE were recorded in all cases, the most frequent being previous psychopathologies (85.7%). A history of ASE was present in 47.0% (in 2018) and 56.3% (in 2024). No deaths were recorded. Those discharged in 2024 had post-discharge follow-up with: a child psychiatrist (81.2%), a pediatrician/family doctor, a psychologist, and a social worker (43.7%). 15.6% were readmitted due to ASE.
Conclusions: hospitalizations due to ASE in the first quarter of 2024 increased by 46% compared to the same period in 2018. The methods used and triggers were similar in both cohorts. The identified risk factors have enabled the definition of prevention strategies. Most of those discharged in 2024 had access to post-discharge follow-up; despite this, recurrence rates were high.