Hispanic female adolescents' use of illicit drugs and the risk of suicidal thoughts

Am J Health Behav. 2008 Jan-Feb;32(1):52-9. doi: 10.5555/ajhb.2008.32.1.52.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the association between female adolescents in high school who use illicit drugs and seriously consider attempting suicide.

Methods: Data were analyzed from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System. Variables for suicidal thought, illicit drugs, and covariables were chosen to explore the association.

Results: Seriously considering attempting suicide was associated with Hispanics, suburban youth, use of marijuana, inhalants, methamphetamines, and steroids without MD's prescription.

Conclusions: Greater effort may be necessary to raise awareness about the physical and mental health status of Hispanic adolescents and to ensure good mental health programs are available.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Population Surveillance / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Suicide / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs