Background: Guided by an ecological systems theory (EST) framework, the purpose of the
present study was to investigate how multiple micro, mezzo, and macro factors influence the
suicidality continuum from suicidal ideation to suicide attempt among Latinx LGB (lesbian, gay,
and bisexual) youth living in the United States.
Methods: Data for this cross sectional-study included 451 participants who self-identified
as Latinx LGB on the 2017-National Youth Risk Behavioral Survey. The analysis explored
micro, mezzo, and macro-level factors’ association with three suicidality outcomes (ideation,
planning, and attempt) at the bivariate and multivariate level. Since the outcome variables were
dichotomized, univariate logistic regressions and backward elimination logistic regressions
were used.
Results: The most commonly reported suicidal behavior was ideation (n = 173; 40%), followed
by planning (n = 150; 34%), and then attempt (n = 64; 21%). Findings from the backward
elimination logistic regression on suicidal ideation suggest the best set of independent variables
are being bullied at school (odds ratio [OR] = 2.81; CI: 1.61–4.89), experiencing sexual assault
(OR = 2.32; CI: 1.32–4.07), experiencing depressive symptoms (OR = 1.99; CI: 1.07– 3.69),
being cannabis use (OR = 1.76; CI: 1.08–2.89), and being female (OR = 1.72; CI: 1.01–2.93).
For suicide planning the model suggested, experiencing depressive symptoms (OR = 3.21; CI:
1.74–5.91), cannabis use (OR = 2.46; CI: 1.49–4.07), being bullied at school (OR = 2.04; CI:
1.17–3.58), and experiencing sexual assault (OR = 1.88; CI: 1.07–3.31) exhibited the strongest
relationships. Suicide attempt was significantly associated with cannabis use (OR = 3.12; CI:
1.60–6.08), experiencing depression (OR= 2.89; CI: 1.30–6.43), experiencing sexual assault
(OR = 2.77; CI: 1.34–5.71), and being bullied at school (OR = 2.34; CI: 1.12–4.91).
Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, it is essential that tailored suicide prevention efforts
be established that uniquely address the intersections of race/ethnicity and sexual orientation
and how this intersection influences micro, mezzo, and macro factors associated with suicide
ideation, planning, and attempt among Latinx LGB adolescents.
