Project Title

Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Vermont High School Students: An Analysis of Associated Health-Behavior Variables

Author

Douglas Michael LeboFollow
Catherine MarkesichFollow
Ida SargentFollow
Mika SmithFollow
Mariana WingoodFollow
Heidi HalesFollow

Date of Publication

2021

Faculty Mentor

Heidi Hales

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Vermont high schoolers and examine their relationship with health-behavior and demographic variables.

Methods: We used responses to the 2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey from Vermont high schoolers (n = 18 613) to perform bivariate logistic regression analyses of variables thought to predict SI and NSSI.

Results: In 2019, 14.8% of Vermont high schoolers reported SI in the past year, and 18.9% reported NSSI. Lower grade level, LGBT identity, self-perception as over- or underweight, being bullied, alcohol use, smoking, and female sex were all associated with higher odds of reporting SI and NSSI.

Conclusions: SI and NSSI are prevalent problems among adolescents that would be amenable to school-based public health interventions. Certain groups face higher risk for SI and NSSI, such as girls and LGBT adolescents.

Document Type

Project

Recommended Citation

Lebo, Douglas Michael; Markesich, Catherine; Sargent, Ida; Smith, Mika; Wingood, Mariana; and Hales, Heidi, "Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Vermont High School Students: An Analysis of Associated Health-Behavior Variables" (2021). Master of Public Health Culminating Projects. 17.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mphcp/17