Suicidal Ideation in an Older U.S. Chinese Population

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation among U.S. Chinese older adults. Method: Guided by the community-participatory research approach, the PINE (Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago) study is a population-based epidemiological study conducted from 2011 to 2013 of 3,159 community-dwelling Chinese adults aged 60 years and above in the Greater Chicago area. Results: The 2-week prevalence of suicidal ideation, 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicidal ideation were 3.5%, 4.8%, and 9.4%, respectively. Age, sex, marital status, education, income, living arrangement, country of origin, years in the United States, overall health status, quality of life, and health changes over the past year were significantly correlated with suicidal ideation. Discussion: Suicidal ideation was common among U.S. Chinese older adults in the Greater Chicago area. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted to explore the risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation.