Abstract

Guyana is a country with one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Guyanese immigrants constitute the fifth largest immigration group in New York City (NYC).  NYC Clinicians are beginning to take notice of the significant prevalence of hospitalization for alcohol intoxication and suicide attempts in Guyanese-American patients. Individuals with a family history of completed suicide are twice as likely to commit suicide compared to those without. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) significantly increases the risk for suicide and its significant prevalence in the Guyanese community warrants cause for concern. Despite the suicide rate in Guyana consistently ranking one of the highest in the world, published research is highly limited in this area. The aim of this project is to provide a review on the presence of the Guyanese-American community in NYC as a high-risk population for suicidal behavior and AUD and to inspire efforts toward reducing suicide related deaths. Risk of suicide is increased significantly with presence of alcohol use disorder and family history of completed suicide. Guyanese Americans have significantly higher rates of alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and depression than resident citizens of Guyana where alcoholism is an issue