Citation

Brenes F. Hisp. Health Care Int. 2019; 17(3): 133-136.

Affiliation

Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1540415319843072

PMID

30991838

Abstract

A global health crisis exists surrounding suicide. In the United States, suicide rates have increased by nearly 30% in most states since 1999. Although the suicide rate among Hispanic Americans is significantly lower than non-Hispanic Whites, reasons for the lower rate are unclear. Current literature suggests that the lower rate may be due to underreporting, a lack of suicide screening and a number of complex social issues, including the stigma surrounding suicide in Hispanic culture. Health care provider attitudes toward suicidal individuals may also negatively affect mental health outcomes. This brief report focuses on suicide as a public health concern, addresses key issues arising from the phenomenon, and provides a perspective on health care providers' attitudes toward suicide. Recommendations for future research, as well as implications for clinical practice and policy, are suggested.

Language: en

Keywords

Hispanic Americans; Latino populations; clinical research; health disparities; mental health; social epidemiology