Self-reported history of concussions is associated with risk factors for suicide completion among high school students.

BACKGROUND

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. While research has found concussions to be a risk factor for suicide in adults, this relationship is not well studied in nationally representative samples of youth. This study examines the relationship between self-reported history of sports-related concussion and five risk factors for suicide completion.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (n=13,353). Multivariate logistic regression models assessed the relationship between self-reported, sports-related concussion and five risk factors for suicide completion. Analyses controlled for sex, race/ethnicity, grade, bullying victimization, and sexual orientation. Subsample analyses were conducted stratified by sex. Interaction models examined biological sex as a possible effect modifier.

RESULTS

Overall, 15.0% of high school students reported a sports-related concussion in the past 12-months. Self-reported, sports-related concussion was significantly associated with greater odds of feeling sad/hopeless (Adj OR: 1.20; 95% CI:1.02-1.42), suicidal ideations (Adj OR: 1.25; 95% CI:1.02-1.55), suicide attempt (Adj OR: 1.60; 95% CI:1.31-1.96), and suicide attempt treated by a doctor/nurse (Adj OR: 2.35; 95% CI:1.68-3.29), adjusting for covariates. Stratified analyses demonstrated differences by sex, however, no direct evidence of effect modification was observed in interaction models.

LIMITATIONS: Data are cross-sectional, prohibiting causal inferences. Measures were assessed via self-report. No pre-concussion measures of mental health.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported sports-related concussion was associated with risk factors for suicide completion. No direct evidence of effect modification was observed but stratified analyses suggest biological sex may impact the observed relationship.