[Suicidal behavior among Chilean young people self-identified as cisgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual]

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behavior is more common among young people and those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

Aim: To assess suicidal behavior among young people self-identified as cisgender lesbian, gay, and bisexual.

Material and methods: The Okasha Suicide Scale was answered online by1,683 Chilean people aged 18 to 30 years, self-identified as cisgender lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

Results: Thirty four percent of respondents reported suicidal ideation in some moment of their lives and 16% reported repeated suicidal thoughts. Thirty five percent reported at least one suicide attempt. Women had a higher risk of suicide attempts than men. Bisexuals had a higher risk of suicide attempts than lesbians and homosexuals. Those with a non-conforming or non-binary gender identity had a higher risk of suicide attempts than those with a female and male gender identity.

Conclusions: These results confirm the higher suicide risk among young sexual minority groups.