Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children.

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.
Aims: To identify predictors, including HIV status, of suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children aged 10-17.
Method: Matched case-control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.
Results: Over 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behaviour in the previous 6 months, compared with 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting or had caregivers with mental health problems.
Conclusions: Policies and programmes that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behaviour in children at increased risk related to HIV.
(© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015.)