Mental health difficulties and suicidal behaviours among young migrants: multicentre study of European adolescents. Issue 6 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McMahon, Elaine M.; Corcoran, Paul; Keeley, Helen; Cannon, Mary; Carli, Vladimir; Wasserman, Camilla; Sarchiapone, Marco; Apter, Alan; Balazs, Judit; Banzer, Raphaela; Bobes, Julio; Brunner, Romuald; Cozman, Doina; Haring, Christian; Kaess, Michael; Kahn, Jean-Pierre; Kereszteny, Agnes; Bitenc, Ursa Mars; Nemes, Bogdan; Poštuvan, Vita; Sáiz, Pilar A.; Sisask, Merike; Tubiana, Alexandra; Värnik, Peeter; Hoven, Christina W.; Wasserman, Danuta
• Is Part Of: BJPsych open. Volume 3:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental health -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.117.005322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4724

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Migration has been reported to be associated with higher prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal behaviour. Aims: To examine the prevalence of emotional and behavioural difficulties, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among migrant adolescents and their non-migrant peers. Method: A school-based survey was completed by 11 057 European adolescents as part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study. Results: A previous suicide attempt was reported by 386 (3.6%) adolescents. Compared with non-migrants, first-generation migrants had an elevated prevalence of suicide attempts (odds ratio (OR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.32–3.26; P =0.001 for European migrants and OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.06–3.27; P =0.031 for non-European migrants) and significantly higher levels of peer difficulties. Highest levels of conduct and hyperactivity problems were found among migrants of non-European origin. Conclusions: Appropriate mental health services and school-based supports are required to meet the complex needs of migrant adolescents.