Mortality trends in suicide among pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15-24 years in Mississippi, 2012-2022

Due to the lack of studies examining suicide trends and its implications on pediatric populations, this study aimed to address the gap in research and to identify the magnitude and the impact of suicide by exploring trends in suicide among Mississippians from 2012 to 2022. The study uses data from the Mississippi Statistically Automated Health Resource System, which is an online database with data collected from vital statistics. Joinpoint regression models were used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) as an indicator of trends. The overall age-adjusted suicide rate increased from 9.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2012 to 10.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 for pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15-24 years (14.9% increase). There are upward trends for females (AAPC, 6.33%, 95% CI, -0.82%-16.82%), Blacks (AAPC, 7.72%, 95% CI, 2.19%-16.47%), and other races (AAPC, 7.59%, 95% CI, -0.83%-21.47%). Males had a downward trend from 2015 to 2022 (APC, -1.46%, 95 CI, -14.05%-1.35%). Whites also had a downward trend from 2017 to 2022 (APC, 4.74%, 95% CI, -15.42% to -0.96%). This study identified an overall increase in suicide. However, trends varied by gender, race, and age. Based on the findings, Mississippi needs more initiatives aimed toward equitable prevention of suicide among youth and the implementation of gun control policies. By implementing these measures, Mississippi could tremendously benefit and improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide within the state.