Sexual and Gender Identity and Note-leaving Among Adult Suicide Decedents in the USA

Overview

Journal BJPsych Open

Publisher Cambridge University Press

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2022 Dec 20

PMID 36539265

Authors

Holly P ORourke

Chanler D Hilley

Emily Lowell

Connor M Sheehan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the USA, representing a critical public health threat. Suicide risks differ for different populations. In particular, the sexual and gender minority (SGM) population remains at increased risk for suicide. One of the circumstances that may differ for SGM and non-SGM individuals is the propensity to leave a suicide note. Information regarding note-leaving may be helpful in informing suicide prevention and intervention.

Aims: This study documents the differences in note-leaving in SGM individuals compared with non-SGM individuals, using recent data from the National Violent Death Reporting System ( = 98 515) and accounting for important covariates.

Method: We fit a logistic regression model with SGM status and covariates predicting note-leaving in suicide.

Results: SGM decedents were 1.508 times more likely to leave a note than their non-SGM counterparts, controlling for demographic, mental health and substance use covariates.

Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of tailoring suicide prevention and intervention efforts to meet the needs of SGM populations.

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