Suicidal behavior among immigrants

Abstract

Introduction: This paper explores the association between suicidal behavior and immigrant status among Israeli residents from the former USSR (FSU).

Method: The Israeli component of the World Mental Health Survey (INHS) provided information on suicide ideations, plans and attempts. The INHS samples included Israel-born Jews (n = 2,114) and post-1990 immigrants from the FSU (n = 814). Data on completed suicide were extracted from the countrywide report of the Ministry of Health.

Results: The controlled lifetime rates of suicidal behavior among FSU immigrants were significantly higher than among their Israel-born counterparts. A higher risk was found in the first years following immigration among young adults with higher education and without a spouse. Completed suicide rates were higher among the FSU immigrants than in the general Israeli population with the largest risk among young-adult immigrant men.

Discussion: The findings are consistent with previous studies and are discussed in the context of both suicide rates in the country of origin and migratory stressors. Preventive measures are suggested.