The association between childhood trauma and lifetime suicide attempts among a sample of male prisoners: A pilot observational study. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Capuzzi, Enrico; Caldiroli, Alice; Besana, Filippo; Tagliabue, Ilaria; Capellazzi, Martina; Cova, Francesca; Rubelli, Paola; Sergio, Maria Ripalta; Truisi, Emanuele; Buoli, Massimiliano; Clerici, Massimo
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. Volume 80(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Suicide attempt -- Suicidal behavior -- Childhood trauma -- Mental disorder -- Prisoners; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102180
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-928X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Prisoners have higher rates of suicide attempts compared with general population. A history of childhood trauma (CT) is common among incarcerated subjects and it is a well-known risk factor for lifetime suicide attempts. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate whether lifetime suicide attempts may be related to the exposition to CT among male prisoners. Method: We conducted a cross sectional study recruiting newly arrived inmates in an Italian jail, between January 2017 and June 2018. Prisoners were interviewed to collect socio-demographic and clinical information. Moreover, inmates completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. We excluded prisoners unable to speak or read Italian, with learning disabilities or current severe psychiatric symptoms. Results: A total of 215 consecutive male inmates were included. Fifty-one prisoners (23.7%) had a history of attempted suicide. The most reported CT was physical neglect. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a history of childhood sexual abuse, emotional neglect and psychiatric diagnosis significantly increased the likelihood of lifetime suicide attempt. Conclusions: A previous history of suicide attempt is highly prevalent among inmates. In agreement with previous findings, lifetime suicide attempts seem to be associated with the presence of CT and psychiatric diagnosis. Therefore, CT should be considered as a relevant variable to improve the programs for the prevention of suicide in prison. Highlights: Histories of childhood trauma (CT) are widespread among male prisoners. Inmates have higher percentage of suicide attempts as compared to their non-incarcerated population. We investigated whether lifetime suicide attempts may be related to the exposition to CT among a sample of male prisoners. Childhood sexual abuse, emotional neglect and psychiatric diagnosis increase the likelihood of lifetime suicide attempt. CT and the presence of a mental health problem should be taken into account among prisoners at high risk of suicide attempt.