Date of Publication
2022
Faculty Mentor
Charles Mercier
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study is to evaluate perceived socioeconomic status (SES) and community sense of belonging as risk factors associated with suicide ideation and attempt in Vermont youth.
Methods
Using the 2019 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we analyzed the impact that perceived SES and community sense of belonging have on suicide ideation and attempt. Two multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals.
Results
We found significant increases in suicide ideation and attempt with low SES and poor community sense of belonging. The odds of suicide ideation and attempt were 8.47 and 8.99 times higher, respectively. The most noteworthy finding came from participants who felt they did not have a community sense of belonging.
Conclusion
These findings were consistent regardless of demographic variables and offer new insight into external factors associated with adolescent suicide risk. Our results support the importance of allocating resources to improve sense of belonging, especially for at-risk groups. Specifically, Vermont High Schools could benefit from community level support for students.
Document Type
Project
Recommended Citation
Sullivan, Lila; Koh, Insu; Magbie, Issy; Beckwith, Jenna; and Mason, Gabe, "Suicide Ideation and Attempt in Adolescent Vermonters as Related to Perceived Family Socioeconomic Status and Community Sense of Belonging" (2022). Master of Public Health Culminating Projects. 32.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mphcp/32