OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and associated factors in adolescents between 15 and 18 years of Pelotas (RS). METHODS: 960 adolescents answered a self-areported and confidential questionnaire in a population-based cross-sectional study. Suicidal ideation was measured by item 17 of the SRQ-20 that assesses minor psychiatric disorders. Statistical analysis used the logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 7.7%. Low mother's education, low schooling, physical inactivity, alcohol and other substances and aggressive behavior remained significantly associated with suicidal ideation after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Prevention programs should preferably reach adolescents with low education who have aggressive behavior and report use of substances.
Suicidal ideation; suicide; adolescence; mental health
