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Racial discrimination doubles risk for suicidal thoughts in older Chinese Americans

Older Chinese Americans who experienced racial discrimination were approximately two times as likely to have suicidal thoughts, according to recent findings.

“Among older Chinese Americans, discrimination encounters may not only invoke a sense of alienation and helplessness ... they may mean loss of face and honor, which is particularly distressful for Chinese,” Lydia W. Li, PhD, of the School of Social Work, University of Michigan, and colleagues wrote. “Assimilation difficulty, cultural beliefs and family pride may preclude them from seeking help. Consequently, they may come to see suicide as a viable alternative.”

To assess racial discrimination as a potential risk factor for suicide in older Chinese Americans, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3,157 Chinese adults aged 60 years and older living in the greater Chicago area. Study participants completed the Physical Health Questionnaire and the Geriatric Mental State Examination-Version A, and self-reported discrimination.

Overall, 4.1% of participants reported 30-day suicidal ideation and 21.5% reported discrimination.

Self-reported discrimination was significantly linked to suicidal ideation before and after adjusting for covariates, including sociodemographics, neuroticism, social relationships, and physical, cognitive and mental health.

Fully adjusted analysis indicated participants who experienced discrimination were 1.9 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.18-3.08; P = .01).

“This study identifies discrimination as a risk factor for suicide ideation among older Chinese Americans,” the researchers wrote. “Findings suggest that health professionals should take seriously minority older adults’ reports of discrimination as potential risk factors for suicide and other mental health problems. Moreover, data imply that efforts to promote civil rights and reduce discrimination may be a form of primary prevention.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.