Relationship of Sexual Violence on Youth Suicidal Contemplation

Authors' Affiliations

Amanda Blackwelder, MPH, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University Bill Brooks, DrPH, MPH, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University Amy Wahlquist, MS,College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University

Location

Culp Center Ballroom

Start Date

4-25-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

4-25-2023 11:00 AM

Poster Number

21

Faculty Sponsor’s Department

Biostatistics & Epidemiology

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Amy Wahlquist

Additional Sponsors

Bill Brooks Megan Quinn Beth O'Connell

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Doctoral

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Poster Presentation

Project's Category

Depression, Other Diseases

Abstract or Artist's Statement

As of 2019, there are close to 4,000 suicide attempts by United States youth, in grades 9-12, every day. With cases of youth suicide rising, more research should be conducted on risk factors associated with suicidal contemplation specifically sexual violence, sex, gender identity, and race/ethnicity. Sexual violence can impact anyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, and age. The hypothesis of this study is that youth with a history of sexual violence is associated with increased suicidal contemplation. Unlike previous studies, this study will not focus on subpopulations but will analyze data from individuals across age, race, gender, and sexual orientation groups to be as inclusive and generalizable. Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, an ongoing survey conducted in schools nationwide for students grades 9-12, was used for this study. A bivariate chi-squared analysis was completed to evaluate the relationship between suicidal ideation with various covariates. Results demonstrated strong associations between suicidal ideation and alcohol/drug use before sexual activity (2.33, 95%CI 2.56-2.41), feeling sad or hopeless (9.33, 95%CI 9.08-9.60), and forced sexual intercourse (4.64, 95% CI 4.46-4.83). These results demonstrate there is a relationship between suicidal ideation and sexual violence. Additionally, results showed an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation for those who are experiencing homelessness, engaging in physical fights, have a sexual identity other than heterosexual, and have been bullied. These findings support previous studies describing the associations between suicidal ideation and sexual violence.

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Apr 25th, 9:00 AM Apr 25th, 11:00 AM

Relationship of Sexual Violence on Youth Suicidal Contemplation

Culp Center Ballroom

As of 2019, there are close to 4,000 suicide attempts by United States youth, in grades 9-12, every day. With cases of youth suicide rising, more research should be conducted on risk factors associated with suicidal contemplation specifically sexual violence, sex, gender identity, and race/ethnicity. Sexual violence can impact anyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, and age. The hypothesis of this study is that youth with a history of sexual violence is associated with increased suicidal contemplation. Unlike previous studies, this study will not focus on subpopulations but will analyze data from individuals across age, race, gender, and sexual orientation groups to be as inclusive and generalizable. Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, an ongoing survey conducted in schools nationwide for students grades 9-12, was used for this study. A bivariate chi-squared analysis was completed to evaluate the relationship between suicidal ideation with various covariates. Results demonstrated strong associations between suicidal ideation and alcohol/drug use before sexual activity (2.33, 95%CI 2.56-2.41), feeling sad or hopeless (9.33, 95%CI 9.08-9.60), and forced sexual intercourse (4.64, 95% CI 4.46-4.83). These results demonstrate there is a relationship between suicidal ideation and sexual violence. Additionally, results showed an increased likelihood of suicidal ideation for those who are experiencing homelessness, engaging in physical fights, have a sexual identity other than heterosexual, and have been bullied. These findings support previous studies describing the associations between suicidal ideation and sexual violence.