Prevalence of Suicidal Risk in the General Population in Parakou (Benin) in 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Every year worldwide, the WHO estimates that nearly one million people take their own lives, the equivalent of one suicide occurring every 40 seconds, despite the fact that this harm is preventable. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the risk of suicide in the general population in the commune of Parakou in 2022. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2021 to December 2022. Sampling was probabilistic, using the WHO cluster sampling technique. Results: A total of 582 subjects were surveyed, of whom 99 (17.01%) were at risk of suicide (low (7.6%), moderate (5.7%) and high (3.8%)). Evaluation of suicidal behaviors revealed suicidal ideation (15.12%), suicidal planning (4.46%), suicide attempts (3.78%) and suicidal equivalents (6.90%). After multivariate analysis, the following were statically associated with suicidal risk: wet nurse status of less than one month (p = 0.003), family history of suicide attempt (p = 0.004), lack of affection from parents or guardians (p = 0.044), poor relationship with partner (p = 0.033) and depression (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Approximately one person in five is at risk of suicide at the end of this study. There is every interest to implement effective preventive measures at national level.