Enhancing Classification of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Information Among Suicide Decedents Reported in the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003-2021.

Anderson, Avery M; Hughes, Landon D; Rahman, Banapsha; Clark, Kirsty A · Am J Public Health · 2026

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Abstract

We developed and refined a systematic keyword search process to flag sexual orientation and gender identity indicators in National Violent Death Reporting System suicide narratives (2003-2021). Applying this process to 298 662 records resulted in 2580 records being flagged for review; 1221 (47%) were classified as sexually or gender minoritized (SGM), increasing the sample of identified SGM decedents by 32%. Our findings highlight persistent failures in accurate surveillance, limiting understanding of SGM suicide mortality. Narrative review methods enhance SGM identification and can improve evidence-based suicide prevention and public health policy. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(6):755-760. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308460).

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