Sexual orientation and risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts: a multi-centre cross-sectional study in three Asian cities.

Qiguo Lian,Ersheng Gao,Chaohua Lou,Yan Cheng,Xiayun Zuo

doi:10.2188/jea.je20140084

Qiguo Lian, Ersheng Gao + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.je20140084

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Abstract

PurposeDespite robust empirical and theoretical evidence for higher rates of suicide among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths, little is known about the relationship between suicide and sexual orientation among Asian youths. This study examined differences in prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts between LGB and heterosexual youths in the cities of Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei, China.MethodsThe data are from a community-based multi-centre cross-sectional study conducted from 2006 to 2007, with a sample of 17 016 youths aged 15–24 years from Hanoi, Shanghai, and Taipei. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to evaluate correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.ResultsThe overall prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the preceding 12 months in LGB youths were both higher than in heterosexual youth (12.8% vs. 8.1% and 4.0% vs. 2.4%, respectively). Stratified by city, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was lowest in Hanoi (2.2%), followed by Shanghai (8.0%) and Taipei (17.0%). Similar trends were observed in the prevalence of suicide attempts, which was lowest in Hanoi (0.3%), followed by Shanghai (1.2%) and Taipei (2.5%). Of note, however, multivariate logistic regression results revealed that LGB youth were at a higher risk for suicidal ideation than heterosexual youth only in Taipei (odds ratio 1.65).ConclusionsSuicidality is common among Asian youth, with higher prevalence observed in urbanized cities. LGB youths are at greater risk of suicidal ideation than their heterosexual counterparts in Taipei than in the other two examined cities.

Highlights

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people.[1]
Identifying subgroups of youth at elevated risk for suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts could help direct intervention programmes, because existing studies indicate that suicidal ideation is associated with later attempted suicide, and a history of previous suicide attempts is the greatest predictor of eventual completion of suicide.[2,9,10]
We found that the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was highest in Taipei, followed by Shanghai and Hanoi, which may reflect the fact that Taipei and Shanghai are much more urbanized communities than Hanoi, where youths may feel isolated, anonymous, and live in much higher population densities

Summary

Introduction

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people.[1]. The economic and human cost of suicidal behaviour to individuals, families, communities, and society makes suicide an enormous public health problem around the world.[2]. Identifying subgroups of youth at elevated risk for suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts could help direct intervention programmes, because existing studies indicate that suicidal ideation is associated with later attempted suicide, and a history of previous suicide attempts is the greatest predictor of eventual completion of suicide.[2,9,10] In the World Health Organization World Mental Health Survey, carried out in 17 countries, approximately 29% of all ideations end with an attempt, and most notably, the risk for suicide attempt is much higher (OR 117.4–123.1) within the first year of suicide ideation onset compared to those who did not report suicidal ideation.[10]

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