Socioeconomic determinants of suicide risk: Monroe County Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2016

Background

Socioeconomic factors have been linked to suicide, but little research has explored the effects of these determinants on suicide risk in US populations. This population-based study assessed socioeconomic determinants of suicide risk to inform suicide assessment and intervention.

Method

Secondary analysis of the Monroe County Florida 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey suicide behavior questions among adult residents (n = 528). Univariate analysis and logistic regression assessed associations of self-reported socioeconomic status (education, employment, income, housing), health care access, quality of life, substance use, mental illness and suicide risk.

Result(s)

Among respondents, 7.34% (n = 49, CI = 4.27–10.41) were at risk for suicide. Persons at risk reported more depression (χ² [1, n = 417] = 105.5, p =  .001), poorer mental health (χ² [2, n = 411] = 36.6, p =  .001), and more activity limitation due to health (χ² [1, n = 408] = 34.3, p =  .001) than those not at risk. Persons at risk were more likely to be renting homes (63.5%, n = 19, CI = 43.53–80.52) than persons not at risk (36.9%, n = 86, CI = 28.53–43.29).

Limitations

32% missing data supports replication of study findings using larger data sets. Maximum likelihood estimation handled missing data in regression analyses. Low prevalence of suicide risk required collapsing some conceptually different categories.

Conclusion(s)

Housing was a stronger socioeconomic predictor of suicide risk than income, employment, or education. This finding supports exploring housing status in suicide assessment and research.