19 May 2010

Cultural identity insecurity seen as suicide factor

4:56 pm on 19 May 2010

Insecurity around cultural identity has been identified as a factor in many Maori suicides by Nelson Marlborough District Health Board's suicide prevention officer.

Waatea News reports David Hough has been researching suicide risk factors as part of a two-year contract.

Nationally, he says, Maori men are about 60% more likely to commit suicide than non-Maori, with the risk higher for men under 45.