Factors Associated with Suicide Attempts Among Sexual Minorities: Results of the 2011 Gay and Lesbian Press Survey

Background: Since the 1990s, several studies have shown that gay and bisexual populations have a higher prevalence of suicide attempts compared to the heterosexual population. The current challenge is to identify the factors associated with this suicide risk in order to better prevent it. The objective of this article is to conduct the first study in France examining suicide attempts that occurred in the 12 months preceding the survey, as well as the associated factors among men and women who self-identify as gay or bisexual. Methods: The 2011 Gay and Lesbian Press Survey is an anonymous, self-administered, cross-sectional survey based on voluntary participation. Questionnaires were available in LGBTQ+ media and on gay and lesbian community websites. Among those who responded to the survey, 10,100 men and 2,963 women residing in France specifically answered questions about suicide attempts. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with suicide attempts in the past 12 months. Results: Over their lifetime, 16% of men and 18% of women reported having made at least one suicide attempt, and 1.6% and 1.9%, respectively, within the past year. Factors independently associated with suicide attempts in the past year among men and women included being economically inactive, having experienced forced sexual intercourse at some point in life, having ended a stable relationship in the past year, having consumed alcohol excessively, and reporting depression. Furthermore, among men, living in a small town, having experienced physical and/or verbal assaults due to their sexual orientation, and having used anxiolytics within the past year increased the likelihood of reporting a suicide attempt within the past year. Conclusion: Our results confirm that combating homophobia is a key element in preventing suicidal behavior among gay and bisexual men. Indeed, in addition to the classic risk factors for suicide attempts, a significant association was identified among gay and bisexual men between a suicide attempt within the past year and homophobic assaults during the same period.

Author(s): Paget LM, Chan Chee C, Sauvage C, Saboni L, Beltzer N, Velter A

Publishing year: 2016

Pages: 153-63

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