Adolescent Suicide: Degree of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Level of Risk

Introduction: Suicide prevention hinges on mental health literacy, yet empirical research examining the intersection of knowledge, attitudes, and suicide risk in the Philippine context remains scarce. There is a lack of evidence-based data on how these variables correlate in the adolescent population of Baguio City. Aim: This study investigated the levels of knowledge (K), attitudes (A), and suicide risk (SR) among adolescents in Baguio City and examined differences based on sex, family structure, and socioeconomic status. Methods: A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed among 389 adolescents (ages 18–21). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, snowball sampling was utilized for online data collection between March and October 2021. Participants were screened to exclude those with active psychiatric disorders or those undergoing psychotherapy. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed to determine relationships among K, A, and SR. Results: Participants demonstrated a “fair” level of knowledge (X̅ = 11.39) but a poor understanding of high-risk warning signs (32.65%). Notably, 48% were classified as high-risk for suicide, with 26% reporting suicidal thoughts. A weak but significant relationship was found between attitudes and suicide risk (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, sex, family structure, and socioeconomic status were found to significantly influence both knowledge and risk levels. Conclusion: The high prevalence of suicide risk despite fair theoretical knowledge underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives. These findings suggest that holistic prevention strategies must address specific gender disparities and family dynamics to effectively support at-risk adolescents.