Table 3 provides the gender specific percentage distributions and unadjusted odds ratios (95% confidential intervals) of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts by all key variables, including the three problem behaviors. Male and female adolescents who had already initiated these behaviors at any period (either teen or preteen initiators) were at greater risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts compared to non-initiators of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, or sexual intercourse. In particular, younger initiation of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, or sexual intercourse was correlated with greater likelihood of suicidal ideation and actual attempts. That is, male and female preteen initiators were at much greater risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than were male and female teen initiators.
