Level of behavioral health integration and suicide risk screening results in pediatric ambulatory subspecialty care

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize suicide risk screening results for youth in pediatric ambulatory subspecialty clinics.

Method: The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions was administered to patients ages 9-24 years in 12 subspecialty clinics to assess suicide risk, determined by suicide ideation/behavior. The SAMSHA-HRSA standard framework for integrated health was used to categorize each clinic's level of behavioral health integration.

Results: 6365 patients completed 7440 suicide risk screens; 6.2% of patients screened positive at their initial screen and 4.1% at subsequent annual screens. There was no dose-response pattern between increasing level of integration and decreasing likelihood of a positive suicide screen. Youth identifying as gender expansive were 3.1 times (95% CI [2.0, 4.9]) more likely to screen positive as compared to cisgender youth, adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, screen type, year, and clinic integration level.

Conclusion: Results surrounding disparities in suicide risk based on gender identity underscore the importance of further investigating how to optimally identify and manage high-risk, often understudied youth at suicide risk.

Keywords: ASQ; Adolescent; Behavioral health integration; Chronic illness; Screening; Suicidality.