Suicide Among Hispanic Elderly: Cuban Americans in Dade County, Florida 1990-1993

This study examined suicide among elderly Cuban-Americans & compared known risk factors for suicide with an American-born group that also completed suicide. Files of suicide victims age 65+ were reviewed. Rates of suicide per 100,000 were 66 among Cuban males, 39.6 among American males, 9.0 among Cuban females, & 6.2 among American females. The Cubans differed with respect to lower education level, greater presence of a support system, & equal likelihood of hanging or firearms as the method of choice. Better recognition of & prompt referral for treatment of depression may be an important intervention in preventing suicides in older Hispanics. (27 refs.)