Suicidal Ideation Among Low-Income Women on Family Assistance Programs

The study evaluated prevalence & risk factors associated with suicide ideation in a randomly drawn sample of 2,112 women, aged 18-59 years, & enrolled in family assistance programs. The overall prevalence rate of suicide ideation was not substantially higher than that found in other populations. Emotional difficulties, substance abuse/dependence, physical limitations, having been arrested, & injuries were associated with suicide ideation. Increasing numbers of adversities were associated with increasing prevalence of suicide ideation. Employment & pregnancy were inversely associated with suicide ideation when controlling for adverse events. (43 refs.)