FAMILY DISINTEGRATION DUE TO WORKFORCE MIGRATION AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS

Introduction Family disintegration due to workforce migration is a relatively new phenomenon affecting quite a large number of families in developing countries around the world that raised a lot of concerns regarding the mental health of children and adolescents left behind. Aim To investigate weather family disintegration is associated with suicide risk in adolescents. Material and method The 12395 adolescents from the SEYLE baseline evaluation were included. Mean age in this group was 14.91 ± 0.90. 55.2% of the participants were females. We used the direct questions in the SEYLE baseline questionnaire to assess for families in which at least one parent was working abroad and for suicide attempt history. A binary logistic regression model was used to test this hypothesis, controlling for significant depressive symptomatology (assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory), substance misuse, the presence of a physical disability or chronic illness and the number of life events. Results Our data revealed that parental migration, along with depressive symptomatology, substance misuse and the total number of life events reported in the previous 6 months were the items most closely associated with suicide attempt history. Conclusion Family disintegration due to workforce migration is associated with a higher risk for suicide in adolescents.