Internet support group use and suicidal ideation among Asian Americans: Suggestions for improving the Internet suicide prevention

Background: While the Internet has often been reported as suicide-facilitating stimuli, a less biased search strategy may have revealed a more balanced picture of the effects of internet use on suicidal ideation. We examined the extent to which online mental health support group is associated with suicide ideation.

Methods: Using the 2002-2003 U.S. National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), a series of multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the use of internet mental health support groups and suicidal ideation during the last 12 months. Asian Americans (age 18-95) were included for analysis (n=2,095).

Results: Of the 9.11% reporting suicide ideation, 18% of them had used internet-based mental health support groups in the past year compared to 11% of those without suicide ideation (χ2=11.786, p=.006). After controlling for socio-demographic covariates, those with suicidal ideation were more likely to make use of online mental health resources than those without suicidal ideation (t=2.67, p=.008).

Conclusions: These findings may suggest that more effective suicide prevention methods need to be provided through the Internet for those who have suicidal ideation. At least, the findings represent the needs of Asian adults who suffer from suicide ideation and the lack of support system in the community. Internet may bridge the gap that exists in the local culture that may taboo any suicide ideation to be discussed. Both positive and negative influences of the Internet on suicide should be considered when planning to launch a massive online campaign to prevent suicides.