Native American Suicide in New Mexico, 1957-1979: A Comparative Study

This descriptive and epidemiological study examines completed suicides among the Apache, Navajo and Pueblo Indians of New Mexico from 1957 through 1979. Death certificates constitute the primary source of data. A number of demographic and situational variables are examined for the cultural groups and similarities and differences are noted. Significant findings include a high male to female ratio ranging from 7.4:1 to 10.4:1; an age range of 10-39 for 75.4%-93.4% of the completed suicides; and a high percentage of both males and females using extremely lethal methods, i.e., firearms and hanging, to commit suicide. Suicide rates for the Apache and Pueblo groups have been rising since the mid-1960s, while Navajo rates have been rising since the early 1970s. The Apache had the highest suicide rate, followed by the Pueblo and Navajo, for the period 1957-1979. The age-adjusted rates range from 1.7 to 4.9 times the U.S. rate in recent years. Age-specific trends show an increase in youthful suicide rates similar ...