Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Social Work
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Donna Schuman
Second Advisor
Yangjin Park
Third Advisor
Regina T. Praetorius
Abstract
Abstract
Suicide remains a critical public health issue in Texas, with rural counties consistently experiencing higher mortality rates than urban areas. This study examined county-level suicide rates across Texas and analyzed how demographic characteristics and Social Drivers of Suicide (SDoS)—including economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context—relate to suicide outcomes. Using a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design, secondary data from the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and the American Community Survey were analyzed for 170 Texas counties with reliable suicide data. Results showed that rural counties had significantly higher and more variable suicide rates and exhibited greater economic instability, higher uninsured and food insecurity rates, and fewer mental health providers. Correlation analyses demonstrated that different social drivers were associated with suicide depending on geographic context; broadband access was significantly associated with suicide rates in rural counties, while social association rates and commuting patterns were significant in urban counties. Comparisons of counties with the highest and lowest suicide rates further highlighted structural vulnerabilities, i.e., limited provider availability, economic strain, and inadequate digital access, in high-burden counties. Findings underscore the importance of addressing structural and contextual inequities and support tailored, place-based strategies for suicide prevention across rural and urban Texas communities.
Keywords
suicide, social drivers of suicide, suicide rates, social factors, rural, urban
Disciplines
Social Work
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Vaughan, Maria Y., "SOCIAL DRIVERS OF SUICIDE IN RURAL AND URBAN TEXAS COUNTIES" (2025). Social Work Theses. 222.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_theses/222