Correlates of suicidality: investigation of a representative sample of Manitoba First Nations adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

We examined individual, friend or family, and community or tribe correlates of suicidality in a representative on-reserve sample of First Nations adolescents.

METHODS

Data came from the 2002-2003 Manitoba First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey of Youth. Interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (n=1125) from 23 First Nations communities in Manitoba. We used bivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships between a range of factors and lifetime suicidality. We conducted sex-by-correlate interactions for each significant correlate at the bivariate level. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified those correlates most strongly related to suicidality.

RESULTS

We found several variables to be associated with an increased likelihood of suicidality in the multivariate model, including being female, depressed mood, abuse or fear of abuse, a hospital stay, and substance use (adjusted odds ratio range=2.43-11.73). Perceived community caring was protective against suicidality (adjusted odds ratio=0.93; 95% confidence interval=0.88, 0.97) in the same model.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study may be important in informing First Nations and government policy related to the implementation of suicide prevention strategies in First Nations communities.