Protective and risk factors of suicide in Native American youth: cross-sectional findings from a mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Native American (American Indian/Alaska Native) youth have the highest rates of suicide and suicide clusters in the United States, and appropriate responses are lacking. This study examined protective and risk factors for suicide in a remote Northern Plains reservation with a recent cluster.

Methods

A mixed-methods study was conducted on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, Montana, in 2022 using a community-engaged approach. Quantitative results from the 251-item questionnaire are presented, which were derived from a culturally adapted socio-ecological model. Aaniiih and Nakoda youth 14-24 years of age, living on/near Fort Belknap were recruited.

Findings

In total, 197 youth completed the questionnaire; average age was 16.6 years (SD = 2.60). One hundred (

SUBMITTER: Brockie T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495337 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature