AN UPDATE ON AMERICAN-INDIAN SUICIDE IN NEW-MEXICO, 1980-1987

This paper updates a previous study of American Indian suicide in New Mexico which covered the years 1957-1979. Rates for completed suicides among the Apache, Navajo, and Pueblo for 1980-1987 are compared to ea rlier rates, as are selected demographic and situational variables. Ma jor findings suggest that suicide rates are stabilizing or declining f or all three groups in the most recent years. For the Apache and Puebl o groups, however, this trend may just be the downswing of cycles that have been identified by this study. Age-adjusted suicide rates for al l three groups remain above US rates for 1980-1987, but some of this d ifference may be attributable to regional variation. Age-specific rate s for all three groups remain above US rates for most age groups under 55 years. Apache rates are still the highest, followed by Pueblo and Navajo rates. A comparison of Indian and non-Indian suicide rates in N ew Mexico indicates higher rates for Indians, particularly in those co unties where the Apache and Pueblo tribes reside. Suicide among all th ree groups continues to be primarily a young male phenomenon.