# Mortality trends in suicide among pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15–24 years in Mississippi, 2012–2022

## TL;DR

This study found that suicide rates among 15–24-year-olds in Mississippi increased overall from 2012 to 2022, with varying trends by gender and race.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into suicide trends among youth in Mississippi, highlighting disparities by gender and race.

## Key findings

- The overall age-adjusted suicide rate increased by 14.9% from 2012 to 2022.
- Females, Blacks, and other races showed upward suicide rate trends.
- Males and Whites experienced downward trends in suicide rates after specific years.

## Abstract

Due to the lack of studies examining suicide trends and its implications on pediatric populations, this study aimed to address the gap in research and to identify the magnitude and the impact of suicide by exploring trends in suicide among Mississippians from 2012 to 2022. The study uses data from the Mississippi Statistically Automated Health Resource System, which is an online database with data collected from vital statistics. Joinpoint regression models were used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) as an indicator of trends. The overall age‐adjusted suicide rate increased from 9.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2012 to 10.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 for pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15–24 years (14.9% increase). There are upward trends for females (AAPC, 6.33%, 95% CI, −0.82%–16.82%), Blacks (AAPC, 7.72%, 95% CI, 2.19%–16.47%), and other races (AAPC, 7.59%, 95% CI, −0.83%–21.47%). Males had a downward trend from 2015 to 2022 (APC, −1.46%, 95 CI, −14.05%–1.35%). Whites also had a downward trend from 2017 to 2022 (APC, 4.74%, 95% CI, −15.42% to −0.96%). This study identified an overall increase in suicide. However, trends varied by gender, race, and age. Based on the findings, Mississippi needs more initiatives aimed toward equitable prevention of suicide among youth and the implementation of gun control policies. By implementing these measures, Mississippi could tremendously benefit and improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide within the state.

There are upward trends for females, Blacks, other races. Although males had an upward trend from 2012 to 2015, males had a downward trend from 2015 to 2022. Whites also experienced similar trends. Although Whites had an upward trend from 2012 to 2017, they had a downward trend from 2017 to 2022.