The second subsample was recruited as potential controls for genetic studies in substance dependence: 759 African American men (N = 307) and women (N = 452) recruited from a consecutive series of insulin-dependent diabetic outpatients seen at an ophthalmology clinic (54%) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey Medical School (UMDNJ), Newark, NJ and from churches and a blood bank in Newark, NJ, (46%). Their mean (SD) age was 34.3 (10.1) years. The diabetics underwent two physician-conducted structured interviews over a 6 year period that included questions about suicidal behavior and substance abuse (Roy, 2000). Any reports of suicidal behavior were discussed with the medical staff by AR. The participants recruited from churches and a blood bank underwent a semi-structured psychiatric interview conducted by a trained research worker (a former substance abuse counselor) that included a standard series of questions about lifetime suicidal behavior and substance abuse/dependence (reviewed by AR).
