A Closer Look: Examination of Suicide Risk Screening Results and Outcomes for Minoritized Youth in Subspecialty Pediatrics.

Abstract

To describe a sample of minoritized youth who screened positive for suicide risk within medical subspecialty pediatrics, compared to non-minoritized youth and describe the screening outcomes of these youth. This retrospective chart review from October 2018 to April 2021 used electronic medical record data from an academic pediatric medical subspecialty clinic that screens universally for suicide risk for all patients ages 9 and up. Chart reviews were conducted for 237 minoritized youth (operationalized as identifying as non-White or Hispanic/Latinx, identifying as a gender minority, and having a preferred language other than English) who screened positive for suicide risk. Descriptive statistics include need for escalation to an emergency room, connection to mental health care, receival of a mental health referral, and attendance at follow-up visits. Minoritized youth were more likely to screen positive and report a history of suicide attempt when compared to non-minoritized peers. Youth identifying as gender expansive had significant elevation in suicide risk. The majority of youth in this sample were already connected to mental health care, with youth preferring a language other than English being the least likely to be connected. Findings indicate heightened suicide risk for minoritized youth, with gender expansive youth having particularly elevated suicide risk. A need to support youth with a preferred language other than English in getting connected to mental health care was also revealed.