Mental health difficulties and suicidal behaviours among young migrants: Multicentre study of European adolescents

  • Elaine M. McMahon
  • , Paul Corcoran
  • , Helen Keeley
  • , Mary Cannon
  • , Vladimir Carli
  • , Camilla Wasserman
  • , Marco Sarchiapone
  • , Alan Apter
  • , Judit Balazs
  • , Raphaela Banzer
  • , Julio Bobes
  • , Romuald Brunner
  • , Doina Cozman
  • , Christian Haring
  • , Michael Kaess
  • , Jean Pierre Kahn
  • , Agnes Kereszteny
  • , Ursa Mars Bitenc
  • , Vita Poštuvan
  • , Bogdan Nemes
  • Pilar A. Sáiz, Merike Sisask, Alexandra Tubiana, Peeter Värnik, Christina W. Hoven, Danuta Wasserman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-299
Number of pages9
JournalBJPsych Open
Volume3
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017

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