Suicide rates and risk factors for suicide among Israeli immigrants from Ethiopia (1985–2017)

Background Suicide rates among Ethiopian immigrants to Israel (EI) are relatively high. This study sought to identify suicide-risk factors in this population in order to suggest some potentially preventive measures to mental health policymakers who are struggling to prevent suicide among EI. Method Nationwide age-adjusted suicide rates were calculated for EI, Former Soviet Union immigrants (FSUI) and Israeli-born (IB) Jews by age, gender, and year of death and, for EI, by marital status and immigration period in the years 1985–2017 (1990–2017 for FSUI). Results Age-adjusted suicide rates for the period 1990–2017 confirmed the significantly higher rate among EI––3.1 times higher than for FSUI and 4.1 times higher than for IB. Similar rates were obtained for both genders, within each age group, and in all study years. Comparable male/female rate ratios were found among EI and IB (3.3, 3.6, respectively). Over the years of the study, only among the Ethiopian immigrants were there large fluctuations in suicide rates: a decrease (1992–2001), followed by an increase (2001–2006), and then a progressive decrease (from 2006). The secular changes differed greatly according to age. Among females, these fluctuations were smaller, the decrease began earlier and was greater, and the subsequent increase was much smaller. Marriage was found to be less protective for Ethiopian immigrants than for the other surveyed populations. Conclusions The considerable gap between the EI’s and FSUI’s suicide rates highlights the critical role of immigrants’ integration difficulties. These difficulties among EI lead to ongoing conflict within the family, which may explain why marriage is less protective for EI. Nevertheless, progressive integration is occurring as indicated by the decline in suicide rates since 2006. The fluctuations in EI suicide rates over time seem to be associated with modifications in social welfare allowances, which are crucial for EI of low socioeconomic status. Groups at risk, particularly EI men facing socioeconomic challenges and EI with considerable family conflict, typically identified by HMOs and welfare services, should be screened for suicide risk, and those identified as at risk referred to tailored workshops sensitive to Ethiopian culture.

First-generation Ethiopian immigrants and beliefs about physical activity

Purpose While several studies have examined the attitudes, perceptions and beliefs of physical activity in different immigrant groups, little is known in this area among the first-generation Ethiopian immigrant population who lives in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to explore the behavioral, normative and control beliefs of physical activity among first-generation Ethiopian immigrants living in the DC-Metro area. Design/methodology/approach The study used semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and unobtrusive observation. Three structural themes and six textural themes were identified from the three forms of data collections. Qualitative data analysis including topics, categories and pattern analysis were conducted using phenomenological techniques. Findings Findings highlighted similarities to the theory of planned behavior with regard to attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Consistent with the literature, several salient behavioral determinants of physical activity that could affect participants’ decision-making were identified in the current pilot study. Increased longevity, mental well-being, improved sleep and improved metabolism were listed as the most common benefits of physical activity. Lack of time, family responsibility, neighborhood safety, location of the gym, lack of awareness and social and economic stressors were the major barriers to engage in physical activity. Implications for service providers and future research are discussed. Practical implications This study supported the need for future research into the social aspects of physical activity, as well as barriers to physical activity, including time, family responsibility, culture, income and neighborhood safety. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study exploring the behavioral, normative and control beliefs of physical activity among first-generation Ethiopian immigrants. To understand the beliefs, desires and barriers to physical activity in this population subgroup, the authors examined the behavioral, normative and control beliefs of regular moderate-intensity physical activity using the theory of planned behavior as a conceptual framework. As health education researchers, it is their responsibility to develop theory-driven policies and interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle among these underserved populations.

Innovation in Protest Strategies of Ethiopian Immigrants’ Organizations in Israel

Since the 1990s, organizations formed by Israelis of Ethiopian origin (IEO) have criticized the government’s policy toward them. This article deals with the development of, and innovation in, those organizations’ activities. Our research question looks at the elements of innovation that helped these organizations improve the effectiveness of their work with the government and in the public sphere. We base our study on interviews with IEO activists who participated in the community’s protests in the 1990s, 2015, and 2020. Our theoretical overview incorporates a global perspective on innovation in policymaking and the effects of NGO networks on government policy. The article describes the development and innovation of NGOs in Israel alongside similar cases in other countries.

Correlates of participation in physical activity among older women in Israel: does ethno-cultural background matter?

Osteoporosis and its related fractures are major public health concerns. Physical activity (PA) is crucial for bone density preservation and fractures prevention. Yet, gaps in understanding exist regarding how ethno-cultural backgrounds might shape attitudes, intentions and actual PA participation. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) for predicting PA, the aims of this study were: (i) to compare attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, intentions and knowledge, across four ethno-cultural groups; (ii) to evaluate the fit of the model we constructed across four ethno-cultural groups of women: Israeli-born Jews and Israeli-born Bedouin-Muslims, immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and Ethiopian immigrants. Four hundred women (one hundred from each group), aged >65, completed valid and reliable questionnaires assessing knowledge, TPB components and actual PA. The level of knowledge on osteoporosis was relatively low among all four ethno-cultural groups. Intention to participate in PA was the only variable that directly predicted actual PA. Intention to participate in PA served as a mediator among attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control and actual PA. The structural equation models (SEMs) revealed that among Israeli-born Jews and Ethiopian immigrants, TPB components mediated the link between knowledge and intention to participate in PA. Among FSU immigrants and Israeli Bedouin-Muslims, the knowledge variable was not included in the final model, as its contribution was not significant. It is essential to better understand and augment interventions that enhance PA in the community, and to address the unique needs of each ethno-cultural group.