Predictors of suicide and associated factors in Texas high school adolescents

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10-24-year-olds in the United States with suicide rates in this age group increasing by more than 57% between 2007 and 2018. Texas, in particular, is one state that has a fairly notable increase in suicide with such deaths occurring once every two hours in the state. This study aims to explore the predictors of suicide and the factors associated with suicidality in Texas high school adolescents. Data come from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) which monitors health behaviors that significantly contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations of suicidality as the outcome of interest and several behavioral characteristics. Our study found that females (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.71-2.36) and students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) or unsure of their sexuality (OR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.55-2.52) were at significantly increased with for suicide. Race and grade were not found to be significant factors. Drug use, sexual activity, and school-based violence or violence-related behaviors also contributed to an increased risk of suicide. Using data from a nationally-representative sample, this study evaluated risk factors associated with negative mental health outcomes described as suicide with respect to the state of Texas adolescents. Our findings underscore the need for strategies to reduce the risk that sexual-, violence-, substance-, and health-related behaviors and their co-occurrences have on negative mental health outcomes