A recent analysis has revealed a significant increase in suicide rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander youths between 1999 and 2021. Data shows that the age-adjusted suicide rate for male youths rose by 72%, from 3.76 to 6.49 per 100,000 individuals. For female youths, the increase was even more stark at 125%, rising from 1.65 to 3.72 per 100,000 individuals. The peak years were 2019 for males and 2020 for females.

Trends indicate that after an initial decline, suicide rates for male youths began increasing significantly from 2009 onward, while the trend for females started rising markedly from 2004. Factors such as economic hardship during the Great Recession and the impact of social media, including cyberbullying and online sexism, are posited as contributing factors. The study underscores the need for culturally informed approaches to address gendered and racialized risk factors for suicide within this community.

Source: JAMA Network