Differences in Risk Factors for Suicidality Between African American and White Patients Vulnerable to Suicide

Risk factors for suicidality were examined separately by ethnicity in a population of 131 older adult patients considered vulnerable to suicide due to substance abuse &/or medical frailty. In adjusted analyses, social support was significantly associated with suicidality in African American patients, while younger age & the presence of an anxiety disorder were significantly associated with suicidality in white patients. Results suggest ethnicity-specific risk profiles may improve the detection of suicidality in vulnerable populations. (41 refs.)