Refining Psychological, Substance Use, and Sociodemographic Predictors of Suicide Ideation and Attempts in a National Multiethnic Sample of Adults, 2008-2013

The purpose of this study was to examine psychological, substance use, and sociodemographic predictors of 12-month suicide ideation and attempts across six US racial/ethnic groups-white, Latino/a, Black, Asian or Pacific Islander (A/PI), American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN), and multiracial adults. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted for 218,765 adults who participated in the 2008-2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Overall, commonly cited factors were associated with increased risk for suicide ideation and attempt for some racial/ethnic groups, but not for others. As one example, 12-month depression was associated with 12-month suicide attempt for A/PI, AI/AN, Latino/a, and white, but not for Black or multiracial adults. Alcohol abuse and dependence were also associated with suicide attempt for AI/AN, Black, and white respondents but not for other racial/ethnic groups. Risk factors for suicide ideation and attempt may not increase risk universally. More theoretically supported research is needed.