Rates of Lifetime Suicide Attempt and Rates of Lifetime Major Depression in Different Ethnic Groups in the United States

Data on lifetime suicidal behaviour & major depression among Mexican American, Cuban American, & Puerto Rican adults who participated in the Hispanic Health & Nutrition Epidemiologic Survey were pooled with Epidemiological Catchment Area Study data for blacks, whites, & Hispanics. Rates of major depression ranged from 9.3 (Puerto Ricans) to 3.24% (Cuban Americans). Similarly, suicide attempt rates ranged from 9.1% for Puerto Ricans to 1.9% for Cuban Americans. This study underscores that there are differences between Hispanic ethnic groups. The impact of the migration process, socioeconomic status, & acculturation may underlie differences in major depression & suicide attempt rates across ethnic groups. (38 refs.)