La incidencia de los factores sociodemográficos en la conducta suicida de los adolescentes en la zonal 6.

Abstract

Suicidal behavior in adolescence ranges from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts and is often influenced by various factors. In Zone 6 of Ecuador, where diverse social and territorial realities coexist, it is relevant to examine how sociodemographic characteristics are related to suicide risk in the school setting, and whether these patterns remain consistent or change according to educational level. Objective. To analyze the incidence of sociodemographic factors on suicidal behavior among adolescents and to compare patterns between Lower Secondary Education and Upper Secondary Education. Methodology. A quantitative, cross- sectional, and correlational study was conducted. A total of 1,211 students (ages 11–18) from nine educational institutions in Zone 6 participated. The SENTIA and Paykel Suicide Scale were administered. Normality was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and nonparametric analyses were employed: the chi-square test for associations and Pearson’s correlation for age. Results. Suicidal ideation was high: 58.13% and 64.41%. There were no differences by educational level. Sex and gender were significantly associated with risk at both levels and scales, with higher proportions among females. Economic status showed a gradient (higher risk in the low socioeconomic stratum), significant only in SENTIA. Family structure was associated with risk only in Upper Secondary Education according to Paykel. Age and urban/rural location were not associated with risk. SENTIA and Paykel showed a high correlation (r = .832, p < .001). Conclusion. The risk identified through screening is high and distributed throughout the school trajectory; sex/gender and economic disadvantage were highlighted, supporting systematic school-based prevention with clear pathways for assessment and referral.