Risk and Protective Factors of Suicide Ideation Among Maine High School Students, 2013

BACKGROUND:  Suicide was the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds in Maine in 2012. The purpose of this analysis was to examine risk and protective factors associated with suicide ideation among Maine youth.

METHODS:  Using the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS), a representative survey of over 33,000 Maine high school students, we examined demographic characteristics (sex, grade, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation) as well as risk (bullying and depressive symptoms) and family protective factors for suicide ideation in the past 12 months. All data were self-reported.  Logistic regression analyses using SAS 9.4 survey procedures were conducted.  Interaction terms were included to test the effects of bullying and depression for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning their sexual identity (LGBQ), and to examine whether family support attenuates the risks for suicide ideation.

RESULTS: In 2013, 15% of Maine high school students reported considering suicide in the past year.  After controlling for grade, race and ethnicity, the odds of suicide ideation in the past year were higher among students who were female (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.2), were depressed (OR=11.5, CI: 10.4-12.7), had been bullied (OR=2.2, CI: 2.0-2.4), were gay or lesbian (OR=2.4, CI: 1.8-3.2), bisexual (OR=3.2, CI: 2.8-3.6) or questioning their sexual orientation (OR=1.6, CI: 1.4-1.9). Interactions indicated that although bullying and depression increased the odds of suicide ideation among all students, the effects were significantly greater among LGBQ students.  Students in families with clear rules about drugs and alcohol (OR=0.66, CI: 0.58-0.74) and who had parents who often spoke with them about school (OR=0.69, CI: 0.62-0.76) were less likely to report suicide ideation in the past year, indicating a protective effect for family support. Interactions also indicated that students with any family support and who were depressed (OR=4.1, CI: 2.0-8.5) had decreased odds of suicide ideation compared to those who were depressed without family support (OR=8.8, CI: 6.7-11.6).

CONCLUSIONS: Female students, LGBQ students, those who have been bullied, and those reporting depressive symptoms are more likely to have considered suicide in the past year than other Maine high school students.  However, support from families can reduce this risk. Results from this analysis indicate that parents should be encouraged to stay engaged with their children by talking with them about school and setting clear rules about expected behaviors, especially among LGBQ youth, those who are depressed and those experiencing bullying.