Sexual orientation and risk of suicide attempts among a representative sample of youth

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether sexual orientation is an independent risk factor for reported suicide attempts. Design: Data were from the Massachusetts 1995 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which included a question on sexual orientation. Ten drug use, 5 sexual behavior, and 5 violence/victimization variables chosen a priori were assessed as possible mediating variables. Hierarchical logistic regression models determined independent predictors of suicide attempts. Selling: Public high schools in Massachusetts. Participants: Representative, population-based sample of high school students. Three thousand three hundred sixty-five (81%) of 4167 responded to both the suicide attempt and sexual orientation questions. Main Outcome Measure: Self-reported suicide attempt in the past year. Results: One hundred twenty-nine students (3.8%) selfidentified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or not sure of their sexual orientation (GLBN). Gender, age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and all 20 health-risk behaviors were associated with suicide attempt (P