Mental Health Status of Adolescents in South-East Asia: Evidence for Action

Mental health problems are estimated to affect 10–20% of children and adolescents worldwide, accounting for 15–30% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost during the first three decades of life (Kieling, Baker-Henningham et al. 2011). Suicide or self-harm, itself, accounts for an estimated 6% of all deaths among 15–29 year olds population and is the second leading cause of death in this age group after road-traffic injuries (WHO, 2014).

This publication provides evidence from nationally representative school health surveys, implemented as part of the Global School-based Student Health Survey Initiative, on prevalence of self-reported suicidal behaviours and other warning signs of mental health problems. It thereby aims to raise awareness of mental health problems among adolescents. It also aims to show associations of suicidal behaviours and mental health symptoms with potential protective behaviours (e.g. parental engagement) and risk factors (e.g. bullying) that may help inform public health interventions to address this important issue. Finally, it assesses the co-morbidity of substance use and mental health problems.