Related Experiment Videos
Attempted suicide among Commonwealth immigrants in Birmingham
The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Attempted suicide rates among Commonwealth immigrants in Birmingham are lower than the native population. Immigrant patients were younger, with less frequent repeat attempts and substance abuse.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Understanding the epidemiology of attempted suicide is crucial for public health interventions.
- Investigating disparities in mental health outcomes among immigrant populations is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution and characteristics of attempted suicide among Commonwealth immigrants in Birmingham.
- To compare these patterns with the native population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of hospital admission data over four years.
- Inclusion of 119 patients (43 male, 76 female) admitted for attempted suicide.
- Data collection on demographics, attempt history, and substance abuse.
Main Results:
- Crude rate of attempted suicide among immigrants was 94 per 100,000 per annum, lower than the native population.
- All immigrant patients were under 44 years old.
- Lower prevalence of repeated suicide attempts and drug/alcohol abuse compared to British-origin admissions.
Conclusions:
- Attempted suicide among Commonwealth immigrants in Birmingham appears less severe than in the native population.
- Younger age and lower rates of substance abuse characterize this immigrant group.
- Further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to these observed differences.