Suicide among immigrant psychiatric patients in Canada.
Ninety-four Canadian-born psychiatric patients who committed suicide were compared with 23 foreign-born patients committing suicide in Canada. East Europeans were over-represented, and significant differences were found in the age distribution, stress, level of education, social isolation, and methods of suicide. Most foreign-born patients had come to Canada for family or economic reasons but were unemployed, with poor social integration. Employment, housing, education, social integration and a support network seem to be important in preventing these deaths. Cultural evaluation of the patient and early intervention is recommended.
Chandrasena
R
R
University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Beddage
V
V
Fernando
M L
ML
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005060:Europe / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*