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Published on: November 21, 2013
Predicting Suicidal Ideation Among Native American High Schoolers in California.
Summary
Suicide prevention for Native American youth requires a holistic approach. This study identified key risk factors including mental health, substance use, and social determinants, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies beyond traditional models.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Indigenous Studies
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for Native American youth (15-24), with rates increasing despite prevention efforts.
- Existing theoretical models may not adequately address the complexities of suicide in tribal communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a comprehensive set of factors associated with suicidal ideation among Native American high school students.
- To inform more effective suicide prevention strategies within tribal communities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Indigenous Wholistic Theory and an algorithmic approach (Lasso penalized regression).
- Analyzed data from 2,609 Native American high school students in California (2019-2020 California Healthy Kids Survey).
- Selected the most predictive variables from 17 candidate factors.
Main Results:
- Ten predictors were identified: depressive symptoms, school victimization, sexual and gender minority status, substance use (alcohol, vapes, cannabis), breakfast consumption, access to substances, and parent education.
- Risk factors spanned individual, emotional-social, mental-political, and physical-economic domains.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal ideation in Native American youth is influenced by a complex interplay of factors.
- Findings support a move beyond psycho-centric models towards comprehensive, culturally relevant suicide prevention strategies.
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