School Social Work in Preventing Suicide Ideation Among Minority Ethnic Boarding Students in Vietnam

Abstract

Background and objective: Adolescence is the time of greatest risk for the first onset of suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation among adolescents is a public health problem in Vietnam, especially among ethnic minority students. This study described the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents in mountainous areas of Vietnam. The paper recommended developing school social work activities to address mental health issues and prevent suicidal behaviours for the students. Method: In 2019, a school-based survey based on the GSHS questionnaire was conducted in one boarding school in Dien Bien province, Vietnam, and 164 students were included in the study. Result and Conclusion: Analysis revealed that out of a total of 164 students surveyed, 20/164 children have suicidal thoughts, accounting for 12.19%; in which male students intend to commit suicide are 7 (accounting for 35%), and female students with suicidal thoughts are 13 (accounting for 65%). Besides, the study found that schools had diverse activities to prevent student suicide such as directly supporting students through psychological counselling, awareness-raising, life skills education, organizing teacher training, strengthening the connection between families and schools. However, these activities have not achieved the expected effectiveness. This study recommends promoting the role of school social work in preventing and reducing student suicide in the area.