Examining suicide literacy among emerging adult medical students in Puerto Rico

Emerging adults (EAs, aged 18-29) face high vulnerability to suicidal ideation and attempts due to the developmental instability, identity exploration, and multiple role transitions that characterize this stage of life.Despite concerning recent increases in suicide mortality in the United States and globally, they remain overlooked in many suicide prevention strategies, often grouped with adolescents or older adults.This study addresses this gap by examining suicide literacy (SL) among medical students in Puerto Rico.Most medical students fall within the EA age range, making them a particularly relevant group for examining SL during this development stage.These individuals experience high academic pressure while preparing to become future health providers.While participants demonstrated strong knowledge of treatment and prevention, they struggled to recognize signs and symptoms of suicide, which are essential for early identification and timely intervention.Participants who reported knowing someone with suicide ideation or attempts had higher SL scores, suggesting the impact of lived experience.Considering Puerto Rico's structural vulnerabilities and cultural stigma surrounding mental