Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts Among Navajo Adolescents

To identify risk factors for self-reported suicide attempts by Navajo adolescents, data from the 1988 Indian Health Service Adolescent Health Survey was analyzed (N=7254). Those reporting a past attempt were compared to others. Nearly 15% reported a previous attempt; over half of these admitted to more than 1 attempt. Suicide attempts were associated with mental health problems, social alienation, substance abuse, prior attempts (by self, family or friends), gender & physical or sexual abuse.