Hispanics, Mental Health, and Suicide: Brief Report. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brenes, Francisco
• Is Part Of: Hispanic health care international. Volume 17:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 133
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Latino populations -- Hispanic Americans -- mental health -- social epidemiology -- health disparities -- clinical research; Hispanic Americans -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Hispanic Americans -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Hispanic Americans -- Health and hygiene; Hispanic Americans -- Medical care; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 362.108968073
• DOI: 10.1177/1540415319843072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-4153

Abstract

A global health crisis exists surrounding suicide. In the United States, suicide rates have increased by nearly 30% in most states since 1999. Although the suicide rate among Hispanic Americans is significantly lower than non-Hispanic Whites, reasons for the lower rate are unclear. Current literature suggests that the lower rate may be due to underreporting, a lack of suicide screening and a number of complex social issues, including the stigma surrounding suicide in Hispanic culture. Health care provider attitudes toward suicidal individuals may also negatively affect mental health outcomes. This brief report focuses on suicide as a public health concern, addresses key issues arising from the phenomenon, and provides a perspective on health care providers' attitudes toward suicide. Recommendations for future research, as well as implications for clinical practice and policy, are suggested.