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Demographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation among Resettled Bhutanese Refugees

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Abstract

This study aims to identify socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics associated with the suicidal ideation among resettled Bhutanese refugees in the United States. Structured interviews were conducted with 200 resettled Bhutanese refugees in Columbus, Ohio. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify variables associated with suicidal ideation. Most participants were male (59.0%), married (77.9%), 55% reported no formal education, 12% were of Dalit (“lower”) caste, and 6.2% reported suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis included four variables that were significant at p < 0.05 in bivariate analyses: caste, post-settlement difficulties, mental health diagnosis, and social support. Higher odds of suicidal ideation were linked to mental health diagnosis [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 8.7], low social support (AOR: 23.6), and post-settlement difficulties (AOR: 1.4). In the multivariable model, untouchable caste had elevated odds of suicidal ideation but statistically not significant. Culturally competent mental health services are needed to support individuals at risk for suicidal ideation.

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Funding

This study was supported by Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (Grant No. 14.1298).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Quality Planning and Research, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, 30 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, USA

    Surendra Bir Adhikari

  2. College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 425 N 5th Street Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA

    Raminta Daniulaityte

  3. San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 1035 Market Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA, 94103, USA

    Dharma Nand Bhatta

Authors
  1. Surendra Bir Adhikari
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  2. Raminta Daniulaityte
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  3. Dharma Nand Bhatta
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Correspondence to Surendra Bir Adhikari.

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Adhikari, S.B., Daniulaityte, R. & Bhatta, D.N. Demographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation among Resettled Bhutanese Refugees. J Immigrant Minority Health 23, 511–518 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-021-01149-z

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