National Trends of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Asian American Young Adults Between 2008 and 2019: The Intersection of Sex and Sexual Identity.

Abstract

Purpose: There is insufficient literature examining the intersections among sex, sexual orientation, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among Asian American (AA) young adults.

Methods: Data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health ( 2008-2019), focusing on AAs aged 18-25 (n = 8,600), were analyzed, with sexual identity questions included in the 2015-2019 data. A total of 268 (7.45%_wt) respondents identified themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine trends over time, and predictive modeling was used to assess the impact of intersecting identities on STBs. Logistic regression was used to test the association between STBs and sex, sexual orientation, and the intersection of sex and sexual orientation.

Results: Trends for STBs showed an upward trajectory. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a significant increase in suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, with annual percentage changes of 3.34% per year (p = .03), 7.45% per year (p = .002), and 7.52% per year (p = .04), respectively. There was a clear disparity based on sexual identity: while trends for STBs among heterosexuals were flat across all STBs, for sexual minorities, the annual percentage changes for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts were 11.27% (p = .43), 42.4% (p = .06), and 64.9% (p = .23), respectively, although these increases were not statistically significant.

Discussion: It is crucial to develop effective suicide prevention strategies or address mental health disparities for AA young adults while accounting for the intersection of sex and sexual minority status.