Factors Associated with Suicide Risk Behavior Outcomes Among Black High School Adolescents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Youth suicide rates are increasing, with a disproportionate rise among Black adolescents.
• There is a critical need for research to understand risk factors for suicide in this demographic.
• Previous research has not fully explored the intersectional factors contributing to suicide behaviors in Black youth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine associations between eight covariates and suicide ideation, planning, and attempts among a national sample of Black high school adolescents.
• To inform targeted prevention efforts for Black adolescents experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• To identify key interpersonal and multilevel risk factors associated with suicide behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N=6225 Black high school participants).
• Employed weighted classification tree and network analysis for data visualization.
• Conducted weighted multinomial ordered logistic regression analyses with multiple imputation pooled using Rubin's rules.

Main Results:

• Suicide ideation was reported by 16% of the sample.
• A higher rate of suicide attempts (56%) was observed among those reporting both ideation and planning.
• Significant associations were found between interpersonal/multilevel factors (bullying, cyberbullying, carrying a weapon, sexual minority status) and all three suicide behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Suicide risk factors among Black adolescents are interrelated and operate on multiple levels.
• Prevention programs must consider the intersectionality of identities and experiences, such as race, bullying, weapon carrying, and sexual orientation.
• Findings underscore the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive interventions to address youth suicide.