Abstract
BackgroundSuicidal behaviour is a leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and varies widely between countries. South African figures are amongst the highest in the world, with recent trends indicating a disturbing rise, especially amongst the younger age groups, across all races.AimThis study analysed sociodemographic characteristics and trends relating to suicides committed in Durban, South Africa during the period of 2006–2007.MethodA retrospective analysis of suicidal deaths (during 2006–2007), extracted from autopsy registers at all three government-run mortuaries in Durban, was conducted.ResultsThe total number of suicides in Durban increased by 6.68% from 2006 to 2007. Suicide accounted for an average of 8.8% of all non-natural deaths per year of the study. The overall suicide rates of 14.53 (2006) and 15.53 (2007) per 100 000 population are comparable with national and global figures. The majority of suicides occurred in single unemployed persons, men and younger age groups. The largest number of suicides per year was recorded in black people, followed by Indian, white and mixed-race people. Hanging was the preferred method in the majority of victims, followed by self-poisoning, shooting and jumping.ConclusionsThe findings indicate a disturbingly high suicide rate amongst the various population and age groups in Durban. The dominant methods used may be influenced by ease of access. The reported trends may worsen unless there is a swift and decisive public health response and cohesive community-based programmes which include a supportive multidisciplinary network.
Highlights
Suicidal behaviour has increased globally over the last decade and has been identified as being one of the major contributors to the high disease and healthcare burden in many low- to middle-income countries.[1]
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.53 million people will die annually from suicide by 2020, compared with the 0.88 million suicides that occurred in 2002.2 Suicide rates are higher amongst men throughout the world except in China, where female rates are consistently higher than those for men, in rural areas.[3,4]
The largest number of suicides was recorded in black people, followed by Indian, white and mixed-race people (Table 2)
Summary
Suicidal behaviour (comprising suicidal ideation, planning, attempts and completed or fatal episodes) has increased globally over the last decade and has been identified as being one of the major contributors to the high disease and healthcare burden in many low- to middle-income countries.[1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.53 million people will die annually from suicide by 2020, compared with the 0.88 million suicides that occurred in 2002.2 Suicide rates are higher amongst men (with male to female ratios up to 3:1) throughout the world except in China, where female rates are consistently higher than those for men, in rural areas.[3,4] Globally, the majority of suicides occur in people aged 35–44 years in both sexes and the ratio of suicide attempts to suicide varies from 20–40:1.2. South African figures are amongst the highest in the world, with recent trends indicating a disturbing rise, especially amongst the younger age groups, across all races
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
