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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 9/2014

01-09-2014 | Original Paper

Suicidal ideation and attempts among men who inject drugs in Delhi, India: psychological and social risk factors

Authors: Gregory Armstrong, Anthony F. Jorm, Luke Samson, Lynette Joubert, Shalini Singh, Michelle Kermode

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 9/2014

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Abstract

Objective

Suicide is major public health problem in India. The objective of the analyses presented in this paper is to examine depressive and anxiety symptoms and socio-demographic indicators as correlates of suicidal ideation and attempts among people who inject drugs (PWID), a high-risk group for suicide.

Method

We analysed data collected in April–May of 2012 from a community-based sample of 420 PWID in Delhi using time location sampling. Self-report symptom scales were used to measure the severity of symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-2) within the preceding 2 weeks. We assessed the presence of suicidal thoughts within the past 12 months.

Results

Depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with suicidal ideation, as were a range of social stressors including poor physical health, length of injecting drug use, housing insecurity, and experiences of violence and sexual abuse. However, depressive and anxiety symptoms were not associated with suicide attempts. Factors associated with suicide attempts among ideators were housing insecurity and relational dynamics including a poor relationship with family and, interestingly, being married.

Conclusion

Suicide prevention interventions among this population should address not only individual mental health and addiction support needs but also the overwhelmingly poor psychosocial circumstances of this group.
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Metadata
Title
Suicidal ideation and attempts among men who inject drugs in Delhi, India: psychological and social risk factors
Authors
Gregory Armstrong
Anthony F. Jorm
Luke Samson
Lynette Joubert
Shalini Singh
Michelle Kermode
Publication date
01-09-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 9/2014
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0899-8

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