Ethnic Differences in Self-Poisoning: A Comparison of West Indian and White Groups

The characteristics of 130 West Indian (Afro-Caribbean) patients, admitted to a Birmingham hospital following deliberate suicide attempts were compared with those of White attempters. West Indian patients were more likely to be young, female & single, have received psychiatric treatment, be suffering from a personality disorder or alcoholism, & more likely to be followed-up by social workers. Rates for those over 25 were lower for West Indians than Whites. (NBB)