Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Hispanic and Latino Communities

Suicide, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, varies across populations due to numerous factors, including age, gender, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and cultural practices. Among some Hispanic subgroups, rates of suicidal behavior appear to be disproportionately elevated compared to other ethnic groups. Preventing and reducing suicidality in Hispanic and Latino populations requires unique considerations. While general risk factors for suicide attempt, including comorbid psychiatric illness, prior suicide attempt, being female and unmarried, apply also to Hispanic and Latino populations, certain risk factors play a unique role among Hispanic and Latino populations. These unique risk factors include perceived discrimination, acculturation, lower socioeconomic status, and stigma-related barriers to mental health care. However, there are numerous factors that protect against suicide in the Hispanic community, including cultural practices, familism, and religiosity. Effective anti-suicide interventions for Hispanic and Latino populations must account for the unique challenges faced by these communities, harness existing protective factors, be culturally relevant, and be available in the Spanish language.