Journal
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
Volume 28, Issue 2, Pages 149-156Publisher
SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS
DOI: 10.1007/s10865-005-3664-3
Keywords
suicide; HIV; AIDS; women
Categories
Funding
- NIDA NIH HHS [5 T32 DA07233-09] Funding Source: Medline
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The prevalence, timing, and predictors of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide were evaluated in a sample of 207 HIV-positive women in New York City. Twenty-six percent of the women reported attempting suicide since their HIV diagnosis. Of those who made an attempt, 42% acted within the first month after diagnosis and 27% acted within the first week. AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, and physical or sexual abuse were significant positive predictors of both suicidal ideation and attempts. Contrary to expectations, having children and being employed were also significant positive predictors. Spirituality was significantly negatively associated with suicidal ideation only. These results suggest that suicide prevention measures should be implemented for HIV-positive women immediately after diagnosis. Specifically, interventions should target those with an AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, an abuse history, children, or employment. The encouragement of spiritual connection seems to be a deterrent to suicidal thoughts and is a possible avenue for intervention.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available