A community health nursing perspective on teenage suicide

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to highlight the extent of teenage suicide/parasuicide in selected areas in the West Rand. An exploratory descriptive survey was used to determine the extent of teenage suicide/parasuicide, identify existing programmes for the prevention of suicide, determine the involvement of the community health nurses in such programmes and make recommendations for the development of suicide prevention programmes in areas where they do not exist. Structured interview schedules were used to collect data. The study was undertaken in various clinics in Gauteng Province. The study results suggest that suicide/parasuicide is a common occurrence amongst teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 24 years, suicide/parasuicide do not seem to be accurately recorded in most clinics, that community health nurses are not adequately involved in suicide prevention programmes and finally that available suicide prevention programmes are not fully utilised. Recommendations based on the findings are given.