Citation

Parker M, Duran B, Rhew I, Magarati M, Egashira L, Larimer M, Donovan D. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2019.1691691

PMID

31769351

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between suicide risk and hazardous drinking, depression, and anxiety, adjusting for demographics, among tribal college students across the United States.

METHODS: We invited tribal college students enrolled in 22 tribal colleges from fall 2014 and 2015 to participate in the Creating Campus Change study, a cross-sectional online/paper survey assessing alcohol use patterns and mental health outcomes. 3,239 students participated in the survey, yielding a response rate of 31.3%. We assessed alcohol use, depression, and general anxiety, along with demographic characteristics. We used the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess suicide risk.

RESULTS: 8.5% indicated moderate or high suicide risk. In the final adjusted model, moderate/high depression was significantly associated with moderate/high suicide risk (OR = 6.64; 3.91-11.28, p < 0.001), as was moderate/high general anxiety (OR = 2.80; 1.58-4.97, p < 0.001), and moderate/high hazardous drinking (OR = 2.09; 1.19-3.66, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Students attending tribal colleges who report moderate/high levels of depression, anxiety, or hazardous drinking have a greater risk of suicidality. Identifying factors buffering the risk of suicidality could support policy changes necessary to address this critical public health issue.

Language: en

Keywords

American Indians and Alaska Natives; disability status; resilience; social support; suicide risk