Examining sexual identity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors by sex among Asian American high school students in the US, 2023.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans ages 15-24 years in the US. Sexual minority youth (i.e., Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Questioning [LGBQ]) also face an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This study explores the intersection of racial and sexual identity among Asian American LGBQ youth with STBs in a nationally representative sample of high school students.
Participants include N = 1294 US Asian American high school students. We conducted multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association between sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, questioning, other) and STBs (hopelessness, suicidal ideations, planned attempts, past attempts). We explored sex as a modifier of this effect using interaction terms and sex-stratified regressions. Models controlled for sex, grade, race, ethnicity, and bullying victimization.
Asian American youth who identify as bisexual had significantly greater odds of reporting hopelessness (aOR: 6.53; 95%CI: 4.26-9.99) and suicidal ideation (aOR: 6.64; 95%CI: 4.27-10.33), whereas gay/lesbian youth reported higher odds of suicide plans (aOR: 6.12; 95%CI: 2.41-15.5), and suicide attempts (aOR: 5.47; 95%CI: 2.39-12.52) relative to heterosexuals. Disparities in STBs by sexual identity were equivalent by sex.
The intersection of race and sexual orientation plays a critical role in mental health risk among Asian American youth. Designing, implementing culturally appropriate, and identity-relevant prevention programs is essential to address the unique needs of this population. Policy and advocacy efforts should address stigma, reduce suicide risk, and promote mental health across diverse youth populations.
Participants include N = 1294 US Asian American high school students. We conducted multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association between sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, questioning, other) and STBs (hopelessness, suicidal ideations, planned attempts, past attempts). We explored sex as a modifier of this effect using interaction terms and sex-stratified regressions. Models controlled for sex, grade, race, ethnicity, and bullying victimization.
Asian American youth who identify as bisexual had significantly greater odds of reporting hopelessness (aOR: 6.53; 95%CI: 4.26-9.99) and suicidal ideation (aOR: 6.64; 95%CI: 4.27-10.33), whereas gay/lesbian youth reported higher odds of suicide plans (aOR: 6.12; 95%CI: 2.41-15.5), and suicide attempts (aOR: 5.47; 95%CI: 2.39-12.52) relative to heterosexuals. Disparities in STBs by sexual identity were equivalent by sex.
The intersection of race and sexual orientation plays a critical role in mental health risk among Asian American youth. Designing, implementing culturally appropriate, and identity-relevant prevention programs is essential to address the unique needs of this population. Policy and advocacy efforts should address stigma, reduce suicide risk, and promote mental health across diverse youth populations.