Grant: Operating Grant - Secondary Analysis of Databases

Suicidal behaviours first onset between childhood and adolescence. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Canadian youth. For every such suicide, at least 25 youth will present to hospital with suicidal behaviours. These individuals are at a high risk of repeating this behaviour and also dying by suicide. However, it is not known whether these (non-fatal) behaviours have increased or decreased over time in children and youth (and to what degree, for whom). Knowledge of these patterns can help shape policies and programs to prevent suicidal behaviours. We propose a longitudinal study in which the rates of hospital emergency department presentations for suicidal behaviours are compared in boys and in girls over the past decade in Alberta and Ontario. We will determine whether these rates (first onset)and repetition(s) have changed over time (and to what degree, for whom). We will track and compare these events annually in all boys and girls (aged 12 to < 17 years) in Alberta and Ontario using province-wide population registry, emergency and hospital inpatient health care records in each province.