Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Hispanic subgroups in the United States: 1991–1992 and 2001–2002

ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of suicidal ideation/attempts among Hispanic subgroups in the US in 1991–1992 and 2001–2002, and identify high-risk groups.MethodData were drawn from the 1991–1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey (NLAES, n = 42,862) and the 2001–2002 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n = 43,093), two nationally representative surveys of individuals aged 18 years and older.Results1) Puerto Ricans are the Hispanic ethnic subgroup with the highest rates of suicide attempts; 2) 45- to 64-year-old Puerto Rican women are a high-risk group for suicide attempts; 3) Over the 10 year period between the two surveys, the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts significantly increased among 18- to 24-year-old Puerto Rican women and Cuban men, and among 45- to 64-year-old Puerto Rican men.ConclusionHispanics in the US are not a homogeneous group. We identify high-risk groups among Hispanics. Specific interventions for subgroups of Hispanics at high risk for suicidal behaviors may be required.