Hispanic female adolescents' use of illicit drugs and the risk of suicidal thoughts

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between female adolescents in high school who use illicit drugs and seriously consider attempting suicide.

METHODS: Data were analyzed from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System. Variables for suicidal thought, illicit drugs, and covariables were chosen to explore the association.

RESULTS: Seriously considering attempting suicide was associated with Hispanics, suburban youth, use of marijuana, inhalants, methamphetamines, and steroids without MD's prescription.

CONCLUSIONS: Greater effort may be necessary to raise awareness about the physical and mental health status of Hispanic adolescents and to ensure good mental health programs are available.