Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Behaviors Among Pacific Youth in New Zealand

What is it about?

New Zealand has the second highest youth suicide rate in the OECD and particularly among Pacific New Zealanders, who have a threefold higher risk of suicide attempt compared with the general population. Protective and risk factors for suicide attempts among New Zealand Pacific adolescents were assessed using data from Youth’12, an adolescent health and well-being survey. This study suggests that given the high rates of suicide ideation and attempts among Pacific young people, targeted trials for new ways of support should be prioritized for this high-risk group. The Pacific family environment, which continues to be the critical space for intervening, and the school environment, as a provider of health services, were both protective of suicide attempt.

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Why is it important?

New Zealand has the second highest youth suicide rate in the OECD and particularly among Pacific New Zealanders, who have a threefold higher risk of suicide attempt compared with the general population.