ATTEMPTED-SUICIDE AMONG INUIT YOUTH - PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTION

Objective: To identify potential risk and protective factors associate d with attempted suicide among Inuit youth, a population known to have a high rate of both attempted and completed suicide in recent years, Method: A secondary analysis of data on 203 Inuit youth (aged 15 to 24 years) from a random community survey conducted by Sante Quebec in 19 92. Factors previously, identified in the literature and ill clinical consultation and ethnographic research were tested with bivariate stat istics and logistic regression models for each gender. Results: At the bivariate level positive correlates included substance use (solvents, cannabis, cocaine), recent alcohol abuse evidence of a psychiatric pr oblem, and a greater number of life events in the last year. Regular c hurch attendance was negatively associated with attempted suicide. Mul tivariate analysis indicated that a psychiatric problem, recent alcoho l abuse, and cocaine or crack use were the strongest correlates of att empted suicide for females, while solvent use and number of recent lif e events were the strongest correlates for males. Conclusions: Suicide prevention programs can be targeted at youth who are using substances , particularly solvents, cocaine, and alcohol, have psychiatric illnes s, and have experienced recent negative life events. Involvement in ch urch or other community activities may reduce the risk for suicide. Co nsideration of gender differences may allow more precise identificatio n of those at risk for attempted suicide.