The risk of self‐harm and suicide attempts in maltreated and poly‐victimised adolescents from Lithuanian vocational schools.

Background: Worldwide statistics highlight that many adolescents suffer from various types of maltreatment, which often tend to co‐occur in the form of poly‐victimisation. The experience of maltreatment at a young age causes physical and mental health problems, and can also lead to self‐harm and suicide. The aim: To explore the possible impact of maltreatment and poly‐victimisation on adolescent self‐harm and suicide attempts. Participants and settings: In total, 1898 students (15–18 years old) from Lithuanian vocational schools completed the survey (65.5% male). Method: The impact of maltreatment and poly‐victimisation on self‐harm and suicide attempts was tested using multivariable binary logistic regressions. Results: Different maltreatment types were significantly associated to self‐harm (odds ratio from 2.47 to 3.80, p < 0.001) and suicide attempts (odds ratio from 3.15 to 7.58, p < 0.001). The odds ratios for self‐harm and suicide attempt increased as the number of different types of maltreatment experienced increased. A history of experiencing four types of poly‐victimisation increased adolescent risk for self‐harm (OR = 18.57, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 5.77–59.72) and suicide attempts (OR = 45.54, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 14.37–144.28) the most. Conclusion: Adolescents with experience of maltreatment, particularly if poly‐victimised, are at greater risk of engaging in self‐harming and suicidal behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]