141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

282749
Suicide: What are the factors that influence adolescents ideation?

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Rachel Gart, BSN Student , College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Sarah Kelly, PhD, RN , College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
Katherine Anatale, BSN Student , Colleg of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
Background: Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults ages 10-24. The purpose of this study was to identify the major risk factors among adolescents who have either contemplated or attempted suicide. Along with successful suicides, suicide attempts and ideation are coexisting factors that are prominent in the adolescent population and therefore warrant major concern. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey was completed to explore the factors that may influence adolescents' thoughts or actions about suicidal behavior. The YRBS represents high school students throughout the 50 states. Nine questions from the YRBS were used to elicit information about the relationship among the risk factors: 1) use of illegal drugs and alcohol, 2) mental health, and 3) suicidal thoughts and attempts. Results: Statistically significant relationships among the risk factors were found for adolescents. Adolescents considered suicide (15.8%), attempted suicide at least once (7.8%), and were injured while attempting suicide (n = 2.7%). Conclusion: Our findings support the idea that illegal substance abuse can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Further, adolescents, who were depressed, had a positive relationship with suicidal ideations, supporting similar studies suggesting that depression leads to suicidal action. Prescription drug use without a physician order lead to suicidal behavior.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
Identify the factors that influence adolescent vulnerablity towards suidical behavior. Analyze the relationship among the different factors that influence suicidal ideation.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Suicide

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present this reseach, as I have worked with Dr. Kelly to explore adolescents suicidal behavior.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.