title: Suicidality among military-connected adolescents in California schools.
abstract: Previous research indicates that suicidal ideation is higher among military-connected youth than non military-connected youth. This study extends prior work by examining suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts in military-connected and non military-connected adolescents. Data were gathered from 390,028 9th and 11th grade students who completed the 2012-2013 California Healthy Kids Survey. Bivariate comparisons and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to examine differences in suicidal ideation, plans, attempts, and attempts requiring medical attention between military and not military-connected youth. In multivariate logistic analyses, military-connected youth were at increased risk for suicidal ideation (OR = 1.43, 95 % CI = 1.37-1.49), making a plan to harm themselves (OR = 1.19, CI = 1.06-1.34), attempting suicide (OR = 1.67, CI = 1.43-1.95), and an attempted suicide which required medical treatment (OR = 1.71, CI = 1.34-2.16). These results indicate that military-connected youth statewide are at a higher risk for suicidal ideation, plans, attempts, and attempts requiring medical care because of suicidal behaviors. It is suggested that policies be implemented to increase awareness and screening among primary care providers, school personnel, and military organizations that serve military-connected youth.
authors: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA. tgilreat@usc.edu.
authors: Tamika D
authors: TD
authors: Gilreath
authors: Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, 3470 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-4038, USA.
authors: Stephani L
authors: SL
authors: Wrabel
authors: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA.
authors: Kathrine S
authors: KS
authors: Sullivan
authors: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA.
authors: Gordon P
authors: GP
authors: Capp
authors: Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors: Ilan
authors: I
authors: Roziner
authors: Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat Gan, Israel.
authors: Rami
authors: R
authors: Benbenishty
authors: School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA.
authors: Ron A
authors: RA
authors: Astor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools / Q000639:trends; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000639:trends; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends
keywords: Adolescents; Mental health; Military; Suicidality