Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Sharif A., Gire N., Tomenson B., Chaudhry N., Husain M.

Citation:
European Psychiatry, March 2016, vol./is. 33/(S272-S273)

Abstract:
Introduction Suicide is a major public health problem and one of the common causes of maternal mortality. Rates of suicide and self-harm are higher in British South Asian women compared to the majority white population. Suicidal Ideation (SI) is a significant risk factor associated with self-harm and suicide. Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of SI in British Pakistani women. Aim To identify risk factors associated with SI, in order to inform future preventive strategies. Method This is a secondary analysis of a larger study which looked at depression during pregnancy and infant outcomes. Par ticipants who consented (women aged 18 or over, in their third pregnancy trimester) were initially assessed for maternal depression using the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale (EPDS), with one of the questions on the EPDS being on SI. Participants who met the study criteria, were further assessed regarding sociodemographic factors, perceived social support, social adversity and isolation. Results The rate of SI in this group of women was 8.1%, with baseline interview results suggesting that women with SI being significantly more likely to be aged 20 or less, have experience of severe life events and being less likely to have social support. Conclusion This area of research is key to understanding SI in British Pakistani women, to better develop culturally sensitive interventions for use within this group.