Journal article
Suicidality and Alcohol Use as Predictors of Future Suicidal Behavior in College Students
Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford), Vol.57(6), pp.643-647
11/11/2022
DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agac037
PMCID: PMC9651983
PMID: 36055977
Abstract
Short Summary: A 1-year follow-up of 2296 college students identified in an electronic survey as being at risk for suicidal behavior found that 35 had made attempts in the interval. Logistic regression showed that alcohol-related problems but not amounts consumed were predictive of suicide attempts.
Aims There has been a marked increase in suicide fatalities among college-age students in recent years. Moreover, heavy alcohol use, a well-known risk factor for suicide, is present on most campuses. Yet, no prospective studies have examined alcohol use patterns among college students as predictors of suicidal behaviors. Methods Online of 40,335 students at four universities took place at the beginning of four academic years, 2015-2018. Of these, 2296 met criteria for an increased risk of suicidal behavior and completed 1- and/or 6-month follow-up evaluation(s). Baseline assessments included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to quantify alcohol consumption and resulting problems, and measures of depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. Results Suicide attempts during follow-up were reported by 35 (1.5%) of high-risk students. Regression analyses indicated that baseline severity of alcohol use consequences, but not amount of alcohol consumption, was associated with greater odds of a follow-up suicide attempt after controlling for baseline suicidal ideation, functional impairment and history of suicide attempts. Conclusions Among college students at elevated risk for suicide, the severity of alcohol-related consequences was a significant predictor of future suicide attempts. Alcohol consumption was not a significant predictor, suggesting that the amount students drink is less of a concern for suicidal behavior than are the problems (e.g. failing to meet expectations, experiencing blackouts) associated with drinking.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Suicidality and Alcohol Use as Predictors of Future Suicidal Behavior in College Students
- Creators
- William Coryell - University of Iowa, PsychiatryAdam Horwitz - University of Michigan–Ann ArborRonald Albucher - Stanford UniversityKai Zheng - University of California, IrvineJacqueline Pistorello - University of Nevada RenoDaniel Eisenberg - University of Michigan–Ann ArborTodd Favorite - University of Michigan–Ann ArborCheryl King - University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford), Vol.57(6), pp.643-647
- Publisher
- Oxford Univ Press
- DOI
- 10.1093/alcalc/agac037
- PMID
- 36055977
- PMCID
- PMC9651983
- ISSN
- 0735-0414
- eISSN
- 1464-3502
- Number of pages
- 5
- Grant note
- R01MH103224 / National Institute of Mental Health; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 11/11/2022
- Academic Unit
- Psychiatry
- Record Identifier
- 9984460056502771
Metrics
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