Association between symptoms of anorexia and bulimia nervosa and suicidal behavior in school children of Boyacá, Colombia

Abstract This research aimed to establish the relationship between eating disorders and suicidal ideation and attempt, in adolescents from eighth to eleventh grade of educational institutions in three cities of Boyacá (Colombia). The study conducted was empirical and used quantitative methodology. A descriptive strategy was implemented using a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 1292 participants, selected by stratified probability sampling. The instruments applied were firstly, the Positive and Negative Suicidal Ideation PANSI Inventory (Osman, Gutiérrez, Kopper, Barrios and Chiros, 1998) to inquire about the protective and risk factors for suicidal ideation and the presence of suicidal act. Secondly, the Sick Control on Fat Food -SCOFF Questionnaire (Morgan, Reid & Lacey, 1999) to carry out a screening for eating disorders. Thirdly, a socio-demographic survey designed by the authors, to characterize the sample of participants. Results show that out of the total number of young people who participated in the study, 230 (17.8%) consider suicide as an alternative. The research identified low but significant correlation between eating disorders and negative PANSI (rs = .19 and p = 0.00), suggesting that the higher the presence of alarm signals of eating disorders, the higher the risk factors for suicidal ideation.