An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study Among Adolescent Patients Who Attempted Suicide and Their Childhood Mobility

Suicide rates among adolescents continue to rise globally. Frequent changes in residency can be traumatic for adolescents, increasing their risk of suicidal behaviors. However, the impact of residential mobility on mental health remains understudied. While numerous studies have linked childhood residential mobility to suicidal tendencies, limited research explores the relationship between residence changes and suicide attempts among adolescents. This study examines the relationship between residential mobility and suicide attempts among adolescents.

This cross-sectional retrospective study uses data from California emergency department visits for deliberate self-harm. Adolescents aged 10-19 were included, with exposure defined as suicide attempts in 2010 and the outcome as no history of zip code changes or at least one change (2006-2009). Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics (gender, age, race, and insurance status) were used to assess the association between residential mobility and suicide attempts. Stratified analyses explored variations across demographic subgroups.

Among 496,268 participants, adolescents who attempted suicide were more likely to have one or more residence changes (AOR  = 1.71, 95% CI  = 1.58-1.85). This association showed higher odds among females (AOR  = 1.51), older adolescents (15-19 years, AOR  = 1.42), nonwhite racial groups (e.g., Black = 1.55; Hispanic = 1.71; Other = 1.70), and those with Medicaid (AOR  = 1.87), Self-pay (AOR  = 1.47), or Other insurance (AOR  = 2.20) compared to their respective reference groups.

Adolescents with at least one history of relocation are at risk of suicide attempts. Targeted interventions should focus on individuals who have made frequent moves during their adolescent years. Clinicians should consider relocation histories in suicide risk evaluations.