Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Among Black Adolescents Based on the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate risk (violence and victimization, symptoms of depression, substance use, and obesity) and protective factors (physical activity and academic performance) associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Black adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The analytic sample consisted of 658 adolescents ages 14-18 years (51.8% female) who self-identified as Black. Multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted to examine risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. About 16% of the sample reported suicidal ideation, and 9.1% made a suicide attempt during the past 12 months. Factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts included weapon-carrying on school property and symptoms of depression. Physical activity (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11-0.68) and higher academic performance had protective effects on suicide attempts (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.71). Clinicians and school counselors working with Black adolescents may want to inquire about suicide when these risk factors are experienced and strengthen the protective factors identified.