Association between orphanhood, mental distress and suicide risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe

An estimated 761,000 children have been orphaned primarily due to HIV/AIDs in Zimbabwe. Being an orphan is one of the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can lead to poor mental health outcomes, including higher levels of mental distress and suicide risk behaviors for vulnerable adolescents and young adults. This study examines the prevalence of orphanhood and its association with mental distress and suicide risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults in Zimbabwe. Data for this study was derived from the Zimbabwe Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (ZVACS). The sample size included 8,715 participants aged 13 to 18 years old. The prevalence of orphanhood was determined using chi-square tests. Four logistic regression models were employed to examine significant association between orphanhood and two outcomes (i.e., mental distress as measured by the Kesler 6 and lifetime suicide risk behaviors). The results showed that the prevalence of being an orphan was higher for adolescents and young adults with primary education or lower (48.4%), experienced moderate/severe mental distress in the past 30 days (45.3%), reported lifetime suicide thoughts/attempted suicide/self-harm (45%), were females (38.5%), and aged 18-24 years old (44.6%), respectively. Additionally, regression results showed that being an orphan was associated with higher odds of reporting moderate/severe mental distress in the past 30 days, and lifetime suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide or self-harming behaviors among adolescents and young adults. This study underscores the need to prioritize mental health interventions, including screenings for mental distress and suicide risk behaviors, as well as providing robust social support to orphans and their families with limited resources. Further research is needed to understand protective and risk factors associated with longitudinal effects of mental distress and suicidal tendencies for vulnerable orphans in Zimbabwe.