Suicidal Behaviors Among United States Adolescents: Increasing Clinical and Public Health Challenges.

IF 2 4区医学 Q2 PEDIATRICS

Children-Basel Pub Date : 2025-01-03 DOI:10.3390/children12010057

Jhon Ostanin, Helena Miranda, Simon Shugar, Dina Abdo, Maria Carmenza Mejia, Charles H Hennekens, Panagiota Kitsantas

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background/objectives: Suicide in the United States (US) adolescents is a major clinical and public health problem. In this original investigation, we explored trends in suicidal behaviors (ideation, planning, and attempts) among US adolescents from 2011 to 2021.

Methods: The study sample included 90,306 adolescents from the 2011-2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were used to assess differences in suicidal behaviors across gender, race/ethnicity, and grade between 2011 and 2021.

Results: The overall percentage of female adolescents reporting suicidal behaviors increased significantly between 2011 and 2021, and it was higher than males. In 2021, females exhibited significantly higher rates of considering suicide (30.0% vs. 14.3%), planning (23.6% vs. 11.6%), and attempts (13.3% vs. 6.6%) compared to their male counterparts. Whites were more likely to report suicidal ideation (22.7%) while Black non-Hispanic youth had a higher likelihood of making a suicide plan (17.7%), attempting suicide (14.5%), or making a suicide attempt requiring medical treatment (4.4%) relative to other racial/ethnic groups. Overall, ninth graders were more likely to report suicide attempts (11.6%) compared to 12th graders (8.6%).

Conclusions: The results demonstrate significant increases in suicidal behavior among US adolescents, particularly in females. They suggest the need for gender-sensitive approaches in mental health support and prevention strategies. Overall, given the significant increase in suicidal behaviors, healthcare providers as well as public health professionals should prioritize mental health initiatives, promote awareness, and ensure access to mental health resources for adolescents.

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来源期刊

Children-Basel PEDIATRICS-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

16.70%

发文量

1735

审稿时长

6 weeks

期刊介绍： Children is an international, open access journal dedicated to a streamlined, yet scientifically rigorous, dissemination of peer-reviewed science related to childhood health and disease in developed and developing countries. The publication focuses on sharing clinical, epidemiological and translational science relevant to children’s health. Moreover, the primary goals of the publication are to highlight under‑represented pediatric disciplines, to emphasize interdisciplinary research and to disseminate advances in knowledge in global child health. In addition to original research, the journal publishes expert editorials and commentaries, clinical case reports, and insightful communications reflecting the latest developments in pediatric medicine. By publishing meritorious articles as soon as the editorial review process is completed, rather than at predefined intervals, Children also permits rapid open access sharing of new information, allowing us to reach the broadest audience in the most expedient fashion.