Ethnic and Sex Differences in Suicide Rates Relative to Major Depression in the United States

The authors compared suicide rates relative to depression rates in 5 ethnic groups in the U.S., using rates of major depression generated from the Epidemiological Catchment Area Study & the Hispanic Health & Nutrition Epidemiologic Survey. The 1-year prevalence rates of major depression were 3.6% for whites, 3.5% for blacks, 2.8% for Mexican Americans, 2.5% for Cuban Americans, & 6.9% for Puerto Ricans. However, Mexican American & Puerto Rican males had the lowest relative suicide rates. Implications are discussed. (38 refs)