Psychosocial Factors Associated with Suicidal behavior in Transgender Adolescents in Chilean Public Hospitals

Suicidal behavior is a public health problem that is particularly common among transgender adolescents, although evidence from the Chilean public health system is limited. This cross-sectional, exploratory clinical study of 88 transgender adolescents (ages 10–17) from two public hospitals assessed the association between psychosocial factors and suicidal behavior. 52.3% reported at least one lifetime suicide attempt. The number of attempts was significantly associated with area of residence, active legal proceedings (p=0.007), and lack of family support (p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, having active legal proceedings increased the probability of a suicide attempt (OR=2.80; 95% CI: 1.03–7.60; p=0.044). Non-affirmative family support showed a non-significant trend. There were no associations with age, gender identity, psychiatric diagnosis, or transphobic bullying. Although the overall model did not reach statistical significance, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory associations within a clinical sample. It is concluded that suicidality is highly prevalent and that contextual and relational factors, such as family support and legal status, are key to understanding suicide risk in this population.