The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of high-risk and social behaviors amongst adolescents in the low- and middle-income country (LMIC) of Guyana, in which suicide ideation is not well understood amongst the indicated population and is holds the second highest rate in the world. The analysis was completed alongside an analysis of these same behaviors among adolescents in the United States alongside with the country of Trinidad and Tobago, to identify possible differences in trends and contribute to an understanding of global best practices.
The most recent data available from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) for the LMICs stated and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey for the United States was used. Within the LMICs, there exists a lack of laws, policies, and plans to curb rates in poor high-risk and social behaviors noted. The lack of these action plans correlates to the rates notated. In comparison to the United States where more action plans exist; the correlated rates are not as prevalent. It is also important to note that there are limitations of this study, including differences in the datasets used for each country. In addition, the survey collection process itself might have introduced bias due to the sensitive nature of the questions.
However even with these limitations, this study is only the second empirical effort to comprehensively understand suicidal behaviors amongst in-school adolescents in Guyana and the first empirical effort to understand suicidal behaviors amongst in-school adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago as data is limited in these countries are limited but especially amongst adolescents. Although it cannot be extrapolated that the lack of these action plans directly causes high rates of risky behaviors and poor social behaviors; it can be theorized that having more action plans might curb rates and therefore be a key protective factor for future implementation of prevention and intervention programs aimed for this population.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:columbia.edu/oai:academiccommons.columbia.edu:10.7916/3tdz-tj53 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Kuldip, Yogeeta |
| Source Sets | Columbia University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Theses |
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