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Suicide among Immigrant Psychiatric Patients in Canada

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ranjith Chandrasena ,
V. Beddage  and
M. L. D. Fernando
Ranjith Chandrasena*
Affiliation:
University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, 1145, Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 7K4
V. Beddage
Affiliation:
North Bay Psychiatric Hospital, Ontario
M. L. D. Fernando
Affiliation:
University of Western Ontario, STPH, St Thomas, Ontario
*
∗ Correspondence
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Abstract

Ninety-four Canadian-born psychiatric patients who committed suicide were compared with 23 foreign-born patients committing suicide in Canada. East Europeans were over-represented, and significant differences were found in the age distribution, stress, level of education, social isolation, and methods of suicide. Most foreign-born patients had come to Canada for family or economic reasons but were unemployed, with poor social integration. Employment, homing, education, social integration and a support network seem to be important in preventing these deaths. Cultural evaluation of the patient and early intervention is recommended.

Type
Brief Reports
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 159 , Issue 5 , November 1991 , pp. 707 - 709
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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