O COMPORTAMENTO DE AUTOLESÃO EM ADOLESCENTES E JOVENS, E AS PRÁTICAS DE LAZER.

Abstract

Self-harm behavior in adolescents is a topic that requires expanding knowledge, as problems related to mental health and risk behaviors can develop in adolescence, such as self-harm and/or self-inflicted violence. On the other hand, the literature has indicated that the practice of leisure activities can be a protective factor in mental health and contribute to better well-being and quality of life for this population. Given this, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between self-harm behavior and leisure activities in adolescents and young people. To this end, an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out, with a quantitative approach. 191 teenagers and young people from three campuses of a federal educational institution located in a state in the mid-west region participated. Data were collected using the Self-Injury Behavior Scale and questions about suicide ideation and attempts, and the practice of leisure activities. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using the chi-square test with a significance level of 95%. The study was approved by the human research ethics committee. As a result, the average age of the participants was 17.2 years (SD=2.12). The majority were of Brazilian nationality (99.5%), female (61.6%), self-declared mixed race (47.9%), single marital status (88.1%), without children (97.3 %), with family income up to 3 minimum wages (50.3%) and did not receive any aid and/or scholarship (67.5%). Regarding suicide attempts, 21.3% stated that a suicide attempt had occurred and 49.7% had suicidal ideation. Regarding the practice of leisure activities, 58.9% of participants reported that they practiced activities that were understood as leisure. The association analysis indicated that the practice of leisure is associated with the behavior of self-harm, demonstrating that adolescents and young people who do not practice leisure have a 75% higher prevalence of having the behavior of trying to kill themselves (p=0.045; PR= 1.75; CI=1.01-3.03). This study achieved its objective by analyzing the relationship between self-harm behavior and leisure activities in adolescents and young people, revealing that the absence of leisure activities is associated with suicide attempts. Health professionals, such as nurses, have an important role in promoting public policies that guarantee access to leisure and mental health for young people. Future research should expand this study to different contexts, further investigating the impact of leisure on mental health. Descriptors: Mental health, Self-harm, Leisure activity, Nursing; Adolescent behavior, Self-destructive behavior.