Suicidal Ideation Among African-American Non-Injection Drug Users

This study explored correlates of suicide ideation among African Americans in a community-based cohort in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants had begun to use heroin, crack, or cocaine by means other than injection in the prior 10 years. An interview-administered questionnaire was used. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with suicide ideation. The median age of the sample was 27 years & 60.8% of participants were female. Suicide ideation was reported by 21.6%. Those reporting ideation were significantly more likely to be dependent on 2 or more drugs. Findings underscore the need to integrate treatment for psychiatric comorbidity & drug dependence & target these services toward young, African American drug users. (32 refs.)