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Abstract |
Introduction: Suicidal behaviour is a major public health issue globally. The incidence of suicide and attempted suicide internationally is excessive, particularly among indigenous populations. The Mäori (indigenous people of New Zealand) suicide and attempted suicide rates have exceeded the non-Mäori rates in New Zealand. In an attempt to address the high incidence of Mäori suicidal behaviour an epidemiological case control study was initiated.
Method: 250 consecutive cases of Mäori who attempted suicide who were admitted to one of the three Auckland public hospitals were compared to 250 random, Mäori community-based controls (found through door knocking). Participants were compared on a variety of measures including the General Health Questionnaire–28 (GHQ–28), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), CAGE Alcohol Screening Test; Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI–suicidality), Beck’s Scale of Suicide Intent (SIS); and cultural identity validated questionnaires.
Results: Response rates were high for both cases (85.6%) and controls (81.2%). The multivariate analysis revealed that poor general health status was the key risk factor associated with attempted suicide among Mäori.
Once the health indicator is taken out of the analysis, cultural identity, marijuana utilisation and interpersonal abuse are the next major risk factors in attempted suicide among Mäori.
Conclusion: Suffering from poor general health can increase attempted suicide among Mäori. Having a notional identity and not being connected to Mäoritanga (those things Mäori; Mäori culture) is associated with the risk of suicidal behaviour. |
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