Past-year suicidal thoughts among off-reserve First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults aged 18 to 25: Prevalence and associated characteristics

For decades, researchers have reported high suicide rates among Aboriginal youth, which are several times higher than rates in the non-Aboriginal population. Based on the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, this article presents estimates of suicidal thoughts among off-reserve First Nations, Métis and Inuit adults aged 18 to 25. It examines associations between past-year suicidal thoughts and mental disorders and personality factors, childhood experiences and family characteristics, and socio-demographic characteristics, many of which have been shown to be related to suicidal thoughts in other populations.