Bokanya, Glodi

Gurung, Nikito

Mugenga, Coralie Eka

Oduneye, Oluwatosin

Olowoyo, Ayooluwa

Olowoyo, Sharon

English

Liberty University Digital Commons

Title: County-Level Trends and Potential Disparities in the Suicide Rates in VirginiaProgram of Study: Public and Community Health Presentation Type: Oral PresentationSubtype: Applied ResearchMentor(s) and Mentor Email – Dr. Linnaya Graf (lgraf@liberty.edu) Student name(s) and email(s) – Glodi Bokanya (gbbokanya@liberty.edu), Sharon A. Olowoyo (solowoyo@liberty.edu), Ayooluwa A. Olowoyo (agolowoyo@liberty.edu), Coralie Mugenga (cmugenga@liberty.edu), Nikito Gurung (ngurung1@liberty.edu), Oluwatosin M. Oduneye (ooduneye@liberty.edu) AbstractIntroductionSuicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and a significant public health problem in Virginia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia had a suicide rate of 13.5 per 100,000 in 2020, which is close to the national average of 13.9 per 100,000. The suicide rates in Virginia vary significantly by location, with some counties having rates higher than the national average and data lacking for others. These disparities can indicate inequities in resource access and discrimination against marginalized groups. Factors such as age, education, race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location can contribute to these disparities. Methods and ResultsA secondary analysis by county was conducted to explore patterns in disparities in Virginia from 2020 to 2022, with data collected from the County Health Rankings and the CDC databases. The analysis aimed to identify potential factors associated with the observed disparities in suicide rates across different counties in Virginia. Variables analyzed included race, access to mental health care in rural or urban areas, and the impact of social determinants of health, such as income, education, and employment, on suicide rates. The results suggested that counties with reduced access to mental health care and low social economic status presented with higher suicide rates. Implications and ConclusionsTo address potential disparities in suicide rates in Virginia, focusing on improving access to mental health resources and support is crucial, particularly in underserved communities. This may involve implementing policies to reduce the stigma around seeking mental health treatment. These policies could include public awareness campaigns, education and training programs, employee assistance programs, and mental health insurance coverage while focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

County-Level Trends and Potential Disparities in the Suicide Rates in Virginia

https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=0&article=2260&context=research_symp&type=additional

County-Level Trends and Potential Disparities in the Suicide Rates in Virginia

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