Kusse Koirita Toitole, Health Management and Policy doctoral student in the East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, has co-authored an article in BMC Psychology. The article is titled, “Suicidality and homelessness: prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviour among homeless young adults in Southern Ethiopia.”
Lead author is Kalkidan Yohannes of Dilla University in Ethiopia. Additional co-authors include members of Dilla University, Uppsala University, Hawassa University, Addis Ababa University, Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Curtin University, and Doctors with Africa CUAMM.
Worldwide, suicide rates are rising which is an alarming global public health issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 800,000 people die from suicide yearly. Based on data from 2019, it was the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. Over half of all suicides in the world are for people aged under 50. In addition, most suicide deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the world’s population resides. Nearly one in five young people in low- and middle-income countries have reported suicidal thoughts, making a suicide plan, or attempting suicide within the past year. Youth and young adults are at risk of homelessness at any point in their lives, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the homeless population.
The focus of this research was on street homeless or rough sleepers. Rough sleeping involves sleeping in a public place, such as a street, under a bridge, or in a public place. It can be temporary, seasonal, short-term, or long-term. The UN-Habitat organization has reported an alarming increase in homelessness over the past decade, with approximately 15 million people being forced out of their homes yearly. It is the most widespread problem among young people.
The researchers conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from 15 June to 15 August 2020 involving 798 homeless young adults in four southern Ethiopian towns and cities. The Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) was used to assess suicidal behavior. The overall prevalence of suicidal behavior among young homeless individuals was 38.2%. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning and attempt was 10.7%, 5.1%, and 3% respectively. A longer duration of homelessness, stressful life events, and the stigma associated with homelessness were significantly associated with suicidal behavior.
The study suggests that policymakers and program planners need to develop a strategy for preventing, detecting and managing suicidal behavior among street-dwelling homeless young adults, a vulnerable and understudied population. A community-based suicide prevention campaign is also essential for street-dwelling homeless young people in Ethiopia.