Longitudinal Prediction of Suicide Attempts for a Diverse Adolescent Sample of Native Hawaiians, Pacific Peoples, and Asian Americans

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the longitudinal predictors of past-6-month suicide attempts for a diverse adolescent sample of Native Hawaiians, Pacific peoples, and Asian Americans. The study used longitudinal data from the Hawaiian High Schools Health Survey (N = 2,083, 9th to 11th graders, 1992–1993 and 1993–1994 school years). A stepwise multiple logistic regression was conducted. The final model consisted of three statistically significant predictors: (1) Time 1 suicide attempt, odds ratio = 30.6; (2) state anxiety, odds ratio = 4.9; and (3) parent expectations, odds ratio = 1.9. Past suicide attempt was by far the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts. Implications are discussed, including the need for screening of prior suicide attempts and focused interventions after suicide attempts.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• minorities
• prediction
• suicide attempts

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Earl S. Hishinuma

Earl S. Hishinuma, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Myra D. Smith

Myra D. Smith, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA and Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Kayne McCarthy

Kayne McCarthy, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, Yakima, Washington, USA.

Mark Lee

Mark Lee, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Deborah A. Goebert

Deborah A. Goebert, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Jeanelle J. Sugimoto-Matsuda

Jeanelle J. Sugimoto-Matsuda, Department of Psychiatry, and Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Naleen N. Andrade

Naleen N. Andrade, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Jacques B. Philip

Jacques B. Philip, Center for Native Health Research, University of Alaska at Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA.

Jane J. Chung-Do

Jane J. Chung-Do, Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Reid S. Hamamoto

Reid S. Hamamoto, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.

Joy K. L. Andrade

Joy K. L. Andrade, Department of Psychiatry, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, USA.