Preliminary Identification of Protective and Risk Factors for Suicidal Behaviours Among Indigenous Adults Living in Toronto

Background: Suicide rates for Indigenous people living in many areas in Canada are higher than those of the general Canadian population. Objective: To identify protective and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the Indigenous community living in Toronto. Database: Our Health Counts...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bahrampour, Parya
Other Authors: Rotondi, Michael
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: 2019
Subjects:
SAS
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10315/36690
Description
Summary:Background: Suicide rates for Indigenous people living in many areas in Canada are higher than those of the general Canadian population. Objective: To identify protective and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the Indigenous community living in Toronto. Database: Our Health Counts Toronto database, the largest urban Indigenous health study of 897 Indigenous adult participants (15+), was analyzed. Methods: Conducted modified logistic regression utilizing R and SAS software across six domains: i) Self and Community Relationship ii) Social Determinants of Health iii) Health / Exercise iv) Family / Social Support v) Substance Use vi) Cultural Identity / Resources Results: Factors associated with higher suicidality include substance use and challenges accessing cultural ceremonies, while protective factors include full-time employment, and education. Conclusion: Socio-demographic factors are associated with risk of suicide. Cultural and structurally relevant factors and interventions may reduce the risk of suicide in the urban Indigenous community.