Impulsivity and hopelessness as risk factors for suicide in deprived Young Mexicans

Abstract

The objective was to determine the effect that impulsiveness and hopelessness have on the risk of suicide after controlling by socio-demographic variables, be visited and drug use. Plutchik's impulsiveness and risk of suicide scales and Beck's scale of hopelessness were applied to 151 young people interned, 58,3%men and 41,7% women, in three Mexican prisons of medium security (two for men and one for women). The Multiple logistic regression showed that the suicide risk was mayor in people with impulsivity, odds ratio, OR 9.93 (IC95% 3.55-27.80) and hopelessness, OR 4.90 (IC95% 1.45-16.60). The impulsiveness and hopelessness need to be considered in Mexican prisons' risk suicidal prevention programs.