Understanding how social factors and the COVID-19 pandemic affect youth suicide risk
Official title: Impacts of Social Determinants of Health and COVID-19 Pandemic Factors on Suicide Risk among Youth
Funded at Appalachian State University · NIH-10892034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like money and school can affect the risk of suicide among young people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help us understand the mental health challenges they are facing right now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Appalachian State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boone, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $137,093 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149432-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892034 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include youth who are experiencing mental health challenges, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated social determinants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not youth or those who do not have any mental health concerns related to the pandemic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rising rates of suicide among youth, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify how social determinants of health, such as economic and educational factors, influence suicide risk during this period. By analyzing real-time data, the study will track changes in suicide risk over time and explore how these social factors interact with the challenges posed by the pandemic. The findings could provide valuable insights into the mental health crisis affecting young people today.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing youth suicide by addressing the underlying social factors that contribute to risk.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of integrating social determinants of health with suicide risk assessment is innovative, there have been other studies that have successfully explored mental health impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where this research is happening
-
Appalachian State University
Boone, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thompson, Martie P — Appalachian State University
- Study coordinator: Thompson, Martie P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How isolation and COVID-19 affected suicide risk in youth
This project looks at how social isolation during the COVID-19 era may influence suicide risk among people aged 21 and younger.
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How state COVID rules affected adults' mental health, overdoses, and suicide
This project looks at how state COVID-19 policies like lockdowns and financial supports changed mental health, overdose deaths, and suicide risk for U.S. adults.
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How social conditions and COVID-19 affected suicide risk in young people
This project looks at how things like housing, school, healthcare access, and pandemic stress relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and teens.
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Impact of COVID-19 policies on mental health and mortality in U.S. adults
This study looks at how different COVID-19 safety measures, like stay-at-home orders and business closures, have affected the mental health of adults in the U.S., especially concerning risks of drug overdose and suicide, to help us understand the impact of these policies on people's well-being during and after the pand
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Understanding how COVID-19 affects children's mental health and suicide risks
This study is looking at how COVID-19 has affected kids' mental health over time, especially regarding thoughts of suicide, and it aims to find out which children might be at greater risk and what social factors are making things harder for them, so we can help support their well-being better.
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Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.