OBJECTIVES: We examined suicide and suicide attempt rates, patterns, and risk factors among White Mountain Apache youths (aged < 25 years) from 2001 to 2006 as the first phase of a community-based participatory research process to design and evaluate suicide prevention interventions. METHODS: Apache paraprofessionals gathered data as part of a tribally mandated suicide surveillance system. We compared findings to other North American populations. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2006, 61% of Apache suicides occurred among youths younger than 25 years. Annual rates among those aged 15 to 24 years were highest: 128.5 per 100 000, 13 times the US all-races rate and 7 times the American Indian and Alaska Native rate. The annual suicide attempt incidence rate in this age group was 3.5%. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1 for suicide and approximately 1:1 for suicide attempts. Hanging was the most common suicide method, and third most common attempt method. The most frequently cited attempt precipitants were family or intimate partner conflict. CONCLUSIONS: An innovative tribal surveillance system identified high suicide and attempt rates and unique patterns and risk factors of suicidal behavior among Apache youths. Findings are guiding targeted suicide prevention programs.
OBJECTIVES: We examined suicide and suicide attempt rates, patterns, and risk factors among White Mountain Apache youths (aged < 25 years) from 2001 to 2006 as the first phase of a community-based participatory research process to design and evaluate suicide prevention interventions. METHODS: Apache paraprofessionals gathered data as part of a tribally mandated suicide surveillance system. We compared findings to other North American populations. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2006, 61% of Apache suicides occurred among youths younger than 25 years. Annual rates among those aged 15 to 24 years were highest: 128.5 per 100 000, 13 times the US all-races rate and 7 times the American Indian and Alaska Native rate. The annual suicide attempt incidence rate in this age group was 3.5%. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1 for suicide and approximately 1:1 for suicide attempts. Hanging was the most common suicide method, and third most common attempt method. The most frequently cited attempt precipitants were family or intimate partner conflict. CONCLUSIONS: An innovative tribal surveillance system identified high suicide and attempt rates and unique patterns and risk factors of suicidal behavior among Apache youths. Findings are guiding targeted suicide prevention programs.
Authors: Lisa Wexler; Michael Chandler; Joseph P Gone; Mary Cwik; Laurence J Kirmayer; Teresa LaFromboise; Teresa Brockie; Victoria O'Keefe; John Walkup; James Allen Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2015-03-19 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Mary F Cwik; Lauren Tingey; Alexandra Maschino; Novalene Goklish; Francene Larzelere-Hinton; John Walkup; Allison Barlow Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2016-10-13 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Mary F Cwik; Allison Barlow; Novalene Goklish; Francene Larzelere-Hinton; Lauren Tingey; Mariddie Craig; Ronnie Lupe; John Walkup Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2014-04-22 Impact factor: 9.308