Suicide attempts among Puerto Rican men and women with HIV/AIDS: a study of prevalence and risk factors.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiologic studies in the United States have estimated that 1.1%-4.3% of the general population attempt suicide at some time in their lives, but limited information is available on suicidal attempts within the HIV-positive population after the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy. In this study, we evaluate the profile and trends of attempted suicide in a sample of HIV patients in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort study design was employed to analyze data from the HIV/AIDS longitudinal data bank generated in the Retrovirus Research Center at the Universidad Central del Caribe, Puerto Rico, from 2000 through 2004. We analyzed cumulative self-reported suicide attempts from 714 individuals. Annual percentage changes were assessed by using general linear model with Poisson distribution. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated by using logistic regression.


RESULTS
The prevalence of suicide attempts increased in the five-year period examined, from 9.0% to 22.0%. In our study, men were more likely to attempt suicide than were women. In addition, the risk factors most strongly related to suicide attempts after adjusting for age, sex, HIV/AIDS status at study entry, and injection drug use were stress factors related to filial relationships, use of psychoactive substance, and isolation. Changes in conducts related to depression, confusion and anxiety were positively associated with suicide attempts.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention and intervention programs should embrace a more comprehensive approach to care for HIV/AIDS. This approach should recognize the psychological needs and provide the support these patients desperately need.
Quintana-Ortiz
Rafael A
RA
Retrovirus Research Center, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital Ramon Ruiz Arnau, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, USA. rafael.quintana@uccaribe.edu
Gomez
María A
MA
Báez Feliciano
Doris V
DV
Hunter-Mellado
Robert F
RF
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D015995:Prevalence; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*