Online Program

281354
Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in substance-using latinos who are at-risk or positive for HIV presenting to residential substance abuse treatment


Tuesday, November 5, 2013 : 2:50 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Catriona Wilkey, MSW, MPH, Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA
Deborah Chassler, MSW, Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA
Emily Stewart, BA, Casa Esperanza, Roxbury, MA
Diliana De Jesus, BA, Casa Esperanza, Roxbury, MA
Meredith Munn, BA, MSW, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
Lena Lundgren, PhD, Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA
Clelia Beltrame, MSW, Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA
Background: Numerous studies point to the relationship between addiction, mental health, and suicide. However, few studies describe the relationship between suicidality in substance-using Latinos and the presence of severe mental health symptoms. Our exploratory study examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and the relationship between suicidality, acute mental health symptoms, and substance abuse. Methods: Data are presented from a sample of 354 HIV+ or at-risk Latino substance-using men and women presenting to residential substance abuse treatment. Statistical analyses describe lifetime history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and the association with acute mental health symptomatology such as lifetime history of hearing voices, strong fears, feelings that people were against them, manic, panic, obsessive thoughts, and family and self-history of substance abuse. Results: 129 (36.4%) clients reported having suicidal ideation, and 101 (28.5%) attempted suicide at least once. Over one-third of clients reported hearing voices, having strong fears, feeling that people were against them, and obsessive thoughts. Almost half (49.6% and 42.7%) reported feelings of manic or panic. Bivariate analyses found lifetime history of family substance abuse (having a family member who abused alcohol, cocaine, or heroin) and personal history of cocaine and alcohol use were significantly associated with increased likelihood of suicidality. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Latino substance users demand interventions adapted to Latino populations with co-morbid acute mental health and substance use disorders. The severity of need in this population highlights the importance of further research.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify patterns of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in HIV+ or at-risk Latinos presenting for substance abuse treatment. Demonstrate the relationship between acute mental health symptoms, substance abuse, and high rates of suicidality among Latinos. Discuss the importance of culturally relevant acute mental health and suicide interventions for Latino substance users, and the importance of more research on the unique severity of need in this population.

Keyword(s): Latino, Suicide

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the project coordinator of multiple SAMHSA-CSAT funded grants focusing on substance abuse, mental health, and HIV in Latinos in Massachusetts at the Center for Addictions Research & Services at Boston University School of Social Work. This Center continues to publish articles on substance abuse disorders, mental health, and HIV in under-served populations. I hold a Master of Social Work in macro policy and I am completing a Master in Public Health this May.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.