Suicide is one of the main causes of death among the adolescent population, which is why it is considered an important mental-health problem. In addition to this situation, for each suicide, the group of people who survive it (known as suicide survivors) can present serious emotional affectations, becoming a population at risk for this problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of suicide-survivor status on risk factors and protective factors for suicide. A total of 440 adolescents with a mean age of 15.78 (SD = 1.74) participated, who were divided according to survivor status, identified as the SV group (79 cases), and non-survivors, identified as the NSV group—adolescents that did not have experience or contact with a suicide attempt (361 cases). A questionnaire of sociodemographic characterization and risk conditions, the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure (ABUSI), the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (TECA) were applied. Descriptive statistics, mean difference for independent samples, contingency tables, X2 statistic, Fisher’s exact statistic, and Cohen’s d coefficient were used. The results show significant differences between SV and NSV participants in risk and protective factors regarding the presence of a greater adoption of perspective and emotional understanding. On the other hand, NSV adolescents presented higher scores of perceived social supports regarding risk factors, and there was a higher proportion of a history of suicide attempt, severity/hospitalization, impulse to self-harm, and level of suicidal risk in the SV group. The need to incorporate forms of suicide prevention with the survivor population is discussed, increasing the possibilities of postvention.

Background: Suicide is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and among vulnerable groups such as adolescents. Despite increasing research efforts, understanding the psychosocial factors associated with suicidal behavior remains a challenge. This study examines family and personal histories of suicidal behavior, exposure to violence, empathy, and perceived social support in adolescents who have received healthcare services in Ecuador. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years. Participants were classified into suicide attempt survivors (AS, n = 58) and non-attempters (NAS, n = 380). A characterization questionnaire was applied (prior hospitalization for suicide attempt, family history, and survivor condition), the Alexian Brother Urge to Self-Injure scale, the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test. Results: Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts exhibited higher levels of self-injurious behavior impulse (OR = 8.90, CI 95% [4.28–18.52], p < 0.001), Gravity attempt (OR = 8.162, CI 95% [4.34–15.37], p < 0.001), and suicide risk (OR = 2.90, CI 95% [1.42–5.94], p = 0.006). A significant association was found between suicide attempts and exposure to domestic (p = 0.000), school (p = 0.000), and sexual violence (p = 0.000). A family history of suicide attempts increased the likelihood of suicidal behavior in adolescents (OR = 2.40, CI 95% [1.12–5.16], p = 0.022). In contrast, perceived family support acted as a potential protective factor (OR = 0.36, CI 95% [0.15–0.91], p = 0.055). Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies that address social and developmental factors.

Background: Suicide remains a major global public health concern, ranking among the leading causes of death worldwide. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in preventing suicide, yet their attitudes and beliefs about suicidal behavior can significantly impact the quality of care provided to individuals at risk. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the attitudinal beliefs of Colombian healthcare professionals regarding suicidal behavior and their attitudes toward suicide attempts. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 354 healthcare professionals, including interns, from fields such as medicine, nursing, and nursing assistance. Participants completed the Attitudinal Beliefs Questionnaire about Suicidal Behavior (CCCS-18) and the Attitudes Towards Suicide Attempt Scale (ASETSA). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationship between professional experience and attitudes toward suicidal behavior. Results: The findings revealed that many participants exhibit attitudes that legitimize suicide in cases of extreme suffering, such as in terminal illness. However, there were significant gaps in comprehensive approaches to suicide prevention, with varying levels of commitment to individual and institutional support. Clinical experience was identified as a key factor in shaping these attitudes, with more experienced professionals showing a nuanced understanding of suicide triggers and prevention. Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of ongoing training programs that not only improve technical knowledge but also address misconceptions and stigmas related to suicide. These findings have direct implications for developing targeted interventions and educational programs within the Colombian healthcare context to ensure more compassionate and effective care for individuals at risk of suicide.

Background: during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers encountered significant challenges in managing their own illness while fulfilling their professional roles. Despite this, the strategies they used to cope with the disease remain largely unexplored. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies that foster resilience, well-being, and their ability to continue providing care. Objective: to describe the coping strategies employed by healthcare workers in a secondary care hospital, during the period from august 2020 to september 2021, when they themselves suffered from COVID-19, as well as their perception of how they were affected and the impact on their mental health. Materials and Methods: cross-sectional study with mixed-methods approach. Healthcare workers at Clínica Boyacá in Duitama, Colombia who contracted COVID-19, once discharged and prior to their re-entry, responded to a semi-structured interview, the questionnaires Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Descriptive correlational statistics, cross frequency tables and hypothesis testing were conducted, along with a qualitative content analysis. Results: a total of 73 healthcare workers were evaluated, with a predominance of adaptive coping strategies, particularly those focused on meaning. Reported conditions included anxiety (49,68 %), stress (31,51 %), and depression (26,03 %). Notably, anxiety exhibited a significant positive correlation with non-adaptive coping strategies (r = 0,39 p < 0,01). Conclusions: after illness, healthcare workers mainly used adaptive coping strategies, particularly positive re-signification. Non-adaptive strategies correlated with higher anxiety. Promoting adaptive coping mechanisms may not only protect mental health but also enhance the quality of patient care.

Introducción: La adolescencia es una etapa crítica en la formación de la identidad y el desarrollo socioemocional, en la que la empatía juega un papel clave en la regulación de la conducta y la toma de decisiones. Se ha evidenciado que la empatía puede actuar como un factor protector ante conductas de riesgo como el consumo de sustancias, la infracción de la ley y la pertenencia a pandillas. Método: Estudio transversal con 1 555 adolescentes de Ecuador (n= 440), Colombia (n = 648) y Chile (n = 467), con edades entre 12 y 18 años. Se utilizó la prueba de Empatía Cognitiva y Afectiva (TECA) y un cuestionario de caracterización de conductas de riesgo. Se realizaron análisis de ANOVA y Kruskal-Wallis, con comparaciones post hoc para evaluar diferencias entre países.

Introducción: La adolescencia es un período de cambios emocionales y sociales que puede aumentar la vulnerabilidad al suicidio y la autolesión no suicida (NSSI). Se ha evidenciado que el apoyo social actúa como un factor protector frente a estos comportamientos, sin embargo, la mayoría de los estudios han sido realizados en contextos anglosajones y asiáticos, dejando un vacío en la comprensión de esta relación en adolescentes latinoamericanos. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 1 555 adolescentes de Ecuador (n = 402), Colombia (n = 603) y Chile (n = 550), con edades entre 12 y 18 años. Se utilizaron la Escala Multidimensional de Percepción de Apoyo Social, la Escala de Riesgo Suicida de Plutchik y la Escala de Impulso a la Autolesión de Alexian Brothers. Se realizaron pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y comparaciones post hoc.