Correlates of Alaska Native Fatal and Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors 1990–2001

Abstract

Factors correlated with suicidal behavior in a predominately Alaska Native region of Alaska are described, and the correlates relating to fatal and nonfatal suicide behaviors in this indigenous population are distinguished. Suicide data from the region (1990–2001) were aggregated and compared to 2000 U.S. Census Data using chi‐squared tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of suicide behaviors. Suicidal behaviors were significantly more common among single, unemployed Alaska Natives who had not completed high school. In multivariable analysis, male sex, age ≥ 25 years, firearms, and substance abuse history were each associated with suicide death.