Suicidal ideation among low-income women on family assistance programs.

Low-income women face significant adversities. Many of the adversities they contend with have been associated with suicidal ideation in other groups. However little is known about low-income women's suicidal ideation and its correlates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in a randomly drawn sample of 2,112 women ranging in age from 18 to 59 years and enrolled in family assistance programs. As in other studies of low-income women, this group had high rates of mental and physical health problems. Yet, the overall prevalence rate of suicidal ideation was not substantially higher than those found in other populations. Emotional difficulties, substance abuse/dependence, physical limitations, having been arrested, and injuries were associated with suicidal ideation. Increasing numbers of adversities were associated with increasing prevalence of suicidal ideation. Employment and pregnancy were inversely associated with suicidal ideation when controlling for adverse events. This study provided important information on prevalence and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation among low income women on family assistance programs as well as suggested areas for future work to improve the health of these women.