Abstract

Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, suicide is one of the five leading causes of death among people aged 15-24 years. Suicide rates in Chile among young people have been increasing. In 1990 and 2005, the prevalence of suicide was 8.8% and 93 96 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively Aims: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt rates among teenagers aged 14 and 19 years, living in Metropolitan Santiago and analyze the factors related to suicide. Material and Methods: A self administered enquiry, containing a depression scale and five questions about suicide tendency, was applied to a representative sample of teenagers aged between 14 and 19 years, attending public and private schools in Metropolitan Santiago. Results: The enquiry was answered by 1567 teenagers aged between 14 and 20 years (54% males). Sixty two percent recognized suicidal ideation and 19%, suicidal attempts. These figures were significantly higher among women and those attending public schools. Sixteen years old adolescents had the highest rates of suicidal ideation and attempts Conclusions: There is a high rate of suicidal ideation and attempts among teenagers living m Metropolitan Santiago. (Rev Med Chile 2010, 138: 309-315)