Cracked mask with eyes peering through, representing hidden struggles of youth in rural Chile

Unmasking Teen Suicide Attempts: What Rural Chile Reveals

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study in a rural Chilean community sheds light on the prevalence and risk factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts, offering crucial insights for prevention."

Suicide attempts among teenagers are a growing global concern, and Chile has seen a particularly alarming increase in recent years. Understanding the factors that contribute to these attempts is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. A recent study conducted in a rural community in Chile offers valuable insights into this complex issue.

This research, published in the journal Revista Médica de Chile, investigated the prevalence of suicide attempts among adolescents in a rural area of the Concepción province. Researchers aimed to identify the key risk factors associated with these attempts, providing a clearer picture of the challenges faced by young people in this community.

The study's findings highlight the importance of considering gender, substance use, and prior suicidal ideation when assessing the risk of suicide attempts in adolescents. By understanding these factors, we can better target prevention efforts and provide support to those who need it most.

Key Factors Contributing to Suicide Attempts

Cracked mask with eyes peering through, representing hidden struggles of youth in rural Chile

The study involved a random sample of 195 teenagers aged 16 ± 1 years from the only secondary school in Santa Juana, a rural commune in Chile. Participants completed an anonymous survey covering demographic information, substance abuse habits, suicidal thoughts, family dynamics, feelings of hopelessness, depression levels, and self-esteem.

The results revealed that 25% of the teenagers had attempted suicide at least once in their lives. Further analysis identified several factors significantly associated with these attempts:

Female gender
Absent parents
Family dysfunction
Drug abuse
Smoking
Low self-esteem
Hopelessness
Depression
Recent suicidal ideation

A more in-depth statistical analysis pinpointed three independent predictors of suicide attempts: female gender, smoking, and recent suicidal ideation. This means that these factors, on their own, significantly increased the likelihood of a suicide attempt.

What This Means for Prevention

This study underscores the urgent need for targeted suicide prevention programs for adolescents, particularly in rural communities. Recognizing the strong links between suicide attempts and factors like gender, substance use, and suicidal thoughts is vital for effective intervention.

The findings suggest that interventions should focus on addressing mental health issues, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and reducing substance abuse among young people. Creating supportive family environments and providing access to mental health services are also crucial steps.

By understanding the unique challenges faced by adolescents in rural areas, we can develop tailored strategies to prevent suicide attempts and promote mental well-being. Further research is needed to explore the specific factors that contribute to suicide attempts in different communities and to evaluate the effectiveness of various prevention programs.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4067/s0034-98872015000300006, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalencia De Intento De Suicidio Adolescente Y Factores De Riesgo Asociados En Una Comuna Rural De La Provincia De Concepción

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Revista médica de Chile

Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)

Authors: Mario Valdivia, Daniel Silva, Félix Sanhueza, Félix Cova, Roberto Melipillán

Published: 2015-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main risk factors for teen suicide attempts that were discovered in the Chilean study?

The research conducted in rural Chile identified several key risk factors associated with teen suicide attempts. These include being of the female gender, experiencing family dysfunction, engaging in drug abuse and smoking, suffering from low self-esteem and hopelessness, experiencing depression, and having recent suicidal ideation. Statistical analysis highlighted female gender, smoking, and recent suicidal ideation as independent predictors, meaning they significantly increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt on their own.

Where exactly in Chile did the study on teen suicide attempts take place, and who was involved?

The study specifically took place in Santa Juana, a rural commune in the Concepción province of Chile. The researchers focused on the only secondary school in the area, surveying 195 teenagers aged approximately 16 years old. This specific location and demographic provides a focused understanding of the challenges faced by young people in similar rural communities.

What are the implications of the Chilean study's findings for suicide prevention efforts?

This study highlights the critical need for targeted suicide prevention programs for adolescents, particularly in rural communities like Santa Juana. Recognizing the strong links between suicide attempts and factors such as female gender, substance use (like smoking), and recent suicidal ideation is vital for effective intervention. Prevention efforts should address these specific risk factors through education, counseling, and support services.

How did the researchers in Chile conduct their study on teen suicide attempts?

The study, published in the *Revista Médica de Chile*, used a random sample of 195 teenagers from a rural secondary school. Participants completed an anonymous survey covering a range of topics including: demographic information, substance abuse habits, suicidal thoughts, family dynamics (including the presence of absent parents), feelings of hopelessness, depression levels, and self-esteem. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to identify multiple factors associated with suicide attempts.

What aspects of teen suicide attempts in rural Chile were not explored in the study, and why are they important?

While this study identifies key risk factors such as female gender, substance use, and recent suicidal ideation, it doesn't delve into the specific cultural or socioeconomic factors unique to rural Chilean communities that might exacerbate these risks. Further research could explore the availability of mental health services, the impact of poverty or social isolation, and the cultural norms surrounding mental health and help-seeking behaviors in these areas. Understanding these nuances could lead to even more tailored and effective prevention strategies.