4 - (SYM 121) Examining the Relationship Between Suicidality and Social Determinants of Health in Minoritized Youth Receiving Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: There is evidence suggesting a connection between social determinants of health (SDoH), such as low socioeconomic status and limited educational attainment, and suicidality (Wang & Wu, 2021; Llamocca et al., 2023). Additionally, research indicates a relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidality among youth (Panagioti et al., 2014). However, to our knowledge, no studies have explored the relationship between SDoH and suicidality in minoritized youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who meet PTSD criteria. Minoritized youth from disadvantaged backgrounds are more prone to experiencing traumatic events due to interpersonal and community violence often resulting from unmet social needs related to SDoH (Last et al., 2023). This brings to question the relationship between unmet social needs, exposure to traumatic events, and suicidality. Therefore, researchers and clinicians treating young people with PTSD must recognize how SDoH are related to suicide in young people with PTSD. The present study seeks to examine the relationship between SDoH and suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior) in minoritized youth with unmet social needs who meet criteria for PTSD.

Methods: A secondary data analysis will be conducted to examine the relationship between self-reported SDoH, and self-reported suicidality in youth who meet criteria for PTSD seeking treatment in public mental health clinics in Philadelphia (N=88). SDoH was measured using the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool and the Urban Life Stressor Scale. Suicidality was measured using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS).

Results: We hypothesize that young people who meet criteria for PTSD with greater self-reported social determinants of health will report higher severity of suicidality. Data analysis, which will include linear regression, is ongoing and will be complete by August, 2024.

Conclusion: There is a gap in our understanding in the interplay among social determinants of health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality in minoritized youth with meet criteria for PTSD and have unmet social needs. Exploring the interconnectedness of these factors in this specific population can help us better understand how to intervene.