| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Poster | | Title: Frequency and risk factors of current suicidality in HIV-infected heroin users in Yunnan, China: A controlled study. | | Authors: Knight A, Duarte NA, Atkinson JH, Jin H, Riggs K, Heaton RK, Uy X, Shi C, Li J, Zunyou W, Letendre S, Grant I, and the HNRP China Collaboration Group | | Date: 07-22-2012 | | Abstract:Objective: Suicide has been recognized as a major public health concern in China and suicide rates in China are higher than those in the both the United States and Europe. Although injection drug use and HIV infection are intersecting epidemics in China, research of these overlapping high risk groups has been overlooked. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency and risk factors of current suicidality in HIV-infected (HIV+) and uninfected (HIV-) heroin injection drug users (IDUs) in Yunnan, China. We hypothesized that rates of current suicidality would be significantly higher among IDUs compared to controls, and would be highest among HIV+ IDUs.
METHOD: 406 HIV+ (n = 204) and HIV- (n = 202) government registered IDUs and a group of 201 demographically matched controls from the same region were examined using a comprehensive neuromedical and neuropsychiatric assessment including the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the modified HIV Stressor Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Current suicidality was assessed via item 9 of the BDI-II, which asks about suicidal ideation and plans over the past two weeks.
RESULTS: Rates of current suicidality were higher in IDUs than in controls but there was no additive effect of HIV infection itself (HIV+ IDU 43.1%; HIV- IDU 37.1%; controls 8.5%). Among IDUs prior history of major depressive disorder (p < .0001), prior history of an alcohol use disorder (p = .0052), and higher BDI-II total score (p < .0001) were significantly associated with current suicidality as well as longer duration of injection drug use (p = .0297) and poor social support (p = .0283). Among HIV+ IDUs, experiencing HIV-related stress and stigma (p = .0041) was also significantly associated with current suicidality.
DISCUSSION: Current suicidality is prevalent IDUs in China regardless of HIV status. Detection and treatment of suicidal ideation may improve overall outcomes. |
return to publications listing
|