Risk factors for rural young suicide in China: A case–control study

Abstract

Background Suicide is the fifth most important cause of death in China and the leading cause of death among young adults aged 15–34 years. The suicide rate in rural China is three times higher than the urban suicide rate, and the rate in women is higher than in men. Methods Sixteen counties from three provinces were selected as sampling sites in which 392 suicide cases and 416 community living controls were obtained. For each suicide case and control there were two informants who provided the target person's information. A structured questionnaire including demographics, social and familial environments, and personal characteristics was administered to the informants. Results Mental disorders and high hopelessness were found to be strongly related to suicide among Chinese rural young adults. Other suicide risk factors among this population were negative life events, never married but dating, suicide history in family, lack of positive coping skills, lack of social support, dysfunctional impulsivity, and not being a Communist Party/League member. Conclusions The prevalence of mental disorders, although the strongest risk factor among rural young adult suicides in this study, was markedly lower than that in Western countries. Some of the risk factors found in the comprehensive analyses are specific to Chinese culture. “Being a Communist Party/League member” as a protective factor for suicide among Chinese rural youths requires further study and appropriate interpretation.