Psychometric properties of suicide risk assessments in young Black populations internationally: A scoping review

Purpose Suicide rates amongst Black young people are increasing and emerging as leading causes of death for various Black subgroups. Few studies exist examining whether current suicide risk instruments are accurately and reliably assessing suicide amongst this vulnerable diverse population internationally. This psychometric study examined existing suicide risk instruments and how they performed with young Black populations globally. Methods We utilized Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting our results. We identified 20 studies; there were seven suicide scales and five mental health scales with embedded suicide risk scales. Results The ASQ is the most utilized scale amongst Black young populations; most suicide psychometric studies were conducted in the USA followed by countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana). Sensitivity and specificity were analyzed in most studies, with several studies reporting factor analyses. Conclusion Our review highlights the need for evaluation of more suicide risk instruments being administered to young Black people globally to ensure they are psychometrically sound. Researchers should equally be mindful of the importance of ethnic measurement invariance within Black populations since different Black subgroups may respond differently to suicide risk measures.