Risk and protective factors across the suicide ideation-to-action pathway among Muslim American college students

OBJECTIVE: Suicide ideation and behavior is understudied in Muslim Americans. As stigma persists, it is imperative to identify correlates, risk, and protective factors for suicide outcomes in Muslim college students to develop and implement effective interventions. PARTICIPANTS: 1,877 Muslim American college students. METHODS: This analysis utilized the 2021-2022 Healthy Minds Study (HMS), logistic regression, Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV), and Cultural Theory of Suicide Models to identify statistically significant risk and protective factors along the ideation-to-action pathway. RESULTS: Lower odds of suicide ideation were associated with coping strategies, adequate social support, and high religiosity. Decreased odds of suicide planning and attempts were associated with feelings of purpose, no prior suicide ideation, and belief of being a good person. CONCLUSIONS: Effective intervention efforts include population-relevant screening measures, addressing religious stigmatization, and implementing mental health programs. It is important to consider religious and cultural factors to make effective interventions for Muslim college students.