Aboriginal suicidal behaviour research: from risk factors to culturally-sensitive interventions

There is a significant amount of research demonstrating that the rate of completed suicide among Aboriginal populations is much higher than in the general population. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of research evaluating the risk factors for completed suicide and suicidal behavior in this population. There is an even greater shortage of research on evidence-based interventions for suicidal behaviour.

A literature review was conducted to facilitate the development of an approach to the study of this complex problem.

An approach to developing a research program that informs each step of the process with evidence from the previous steps was developed. The study of risk factors and interventions is described.

Research into the risk factors and evidence-based interventions for Aboriginal suicidal behavior are required. A programmatic approach is described in detail in this paper. It is hoped this informed approach would systematically address this important public health issue that afflicts a significant proportion of the Canadian population.