Cultural attributes of suicidal ideation among older immigrants: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a large and growing public health problem. Little is known about the attributes of suicidal ideation (SI) in the contexts of immigration. This qualitative study aims to explore immigration- and acculturation-related attributes of SI among older immigrants. METHODS: A qualitative semi-structured interview design. Interview were conducted with 57 older Chinese immigrants in Chicago with self-reported SI in the past month. RESULTS: In addition to attributes of SI which have been well documented in the literature, we identified immigration- and acculturation-related attributes, including linguistic and cultural barriers of being integrated to the receiving communities, acculturation gaps in intergenerational support, and uselessness. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study highlight the intersectionality of race, culture, and aging regarding SI, which are essential to improve recognition and understanding of SI among immigrant populations. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02628-6.