Racial Differences in Hopelessness as a Risk Factor for a Nearly Lethal Suicide Attempt

Data from a case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts within Harris County, Texas were analyzed. Interaction results from logistic regression suggest the effect of hopelessness on a nearly lethal suicide attempt may differ for black & white Americans. Hopelessness was strongly associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt for both groups, but the odds were greater for blacks than whites. Interventions may need to be adjusted to address the difference. (42 refs.)