A systematic review and meta-analysis of victimisation and mental health prevalence among LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm and suicide

Abstract

Background LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of self-harm and suicide than cisgender, heterosexual peers. Less is known about prevalence of risks within these populations. Objectives The first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence of risks among young people throughout the LGBTQ+ umbrella with experiences across the dimension of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide behaviour; and how they may differ between LGBTQ+ umbrella groups. Data sources MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science searches were run to identify quantitative research papers (database inception to 31st January, 2020). Study eligibility criteria Articles included were empirical quantitative studies, which examined risks associated with self-harm, suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviour in LGBTQ+ young people (12–25 years). Synthesis methods 2457 articles were identified for screening which was completed by two independent reviewers. 104 studies met inclusion criteria of which 40 had data which could be meta-analysed in a meaningful way. This analysis represents victimisation and mental health difficulties as risks among LGBTQ+ youth with self-harm and suicide experiences. Random-effects modelling was used for the main analyses with planned subgroup analyses. Results Victimisation and mental health were key risk factors across the dimension self-harm and suicide identified through all analyses. A pooled prevalence of 0.36 was indicated for victimisation and 0.39 for mental health difficulties within LGBTQ+ young people with experiences of self-harm or suicide. Odds ratios were calculated which demonstrated particularly high levels of victimisation (3.74) and mental health difficulties (2.67) when compared to cisgender, heterosexual counterparts who also had these experiences. Conclusions Victimisation and mental health difficulties are highly prevalent among LGBTQ+ youth with experiences of self-harm and suicide. Due to inconsistency of reporting, further risk synthesis is limited. Given the global inclusion of studies, these results can be considered across countries and inform policy and suicide prevention initiatives. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019130037.

The role of parental and friend’s support preventing suicide among French sexual minority adolescents

“…This current study is a pioneer cross-sectional study in France to analyze the role of parental and friend's support on suicide attempts among LGB adolescents. Suicide attempt remained associated with sexual orientation when considering possible related variables, which is consistent with previous studies (Green et al, 2021;Williams et al, 2021). A co-twin control study in youth males showed that suicide attempts remained signi cantly associated with same-gender sexual orientation after adjustment for substance abuse and depressive symptoms (Herrell et al, 1999).…”

“…Moreover, the adolescents associated with sexual minority status show a higher risk of suicide attempts (Greteman, 2015;Teasdale & Bradley-Engen, 2010;Turpin et al, 2020). Adolescents who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) are at least three times more likely to have attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers (Firdion & Beck, 2015;Seil et al, 2014;Williams et al, 2021).…”

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“…LGBTQ2S youth are overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness and constitute 20–40% of the homeless youth population in North America [ 5 – 9 ]. LGBTQ2S youth experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth across global contexts, due to stigma, discrimination, and identity-based rejection [ 5 , 7 , 10 , 11 ]. Public health measures, such as physical distancing and the closure of social support programs, have undoubtedly resulted in negative outcomes among LGBTQ2S youth at risk of, and experiencing, homelessness.…”

Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Qlinic: Adapting the Student-Run Clinic Model to Expand Mental Health Services and Medical Education

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