Suicide rates in a community people of Shanghai between 1997 and 1999

Abstract

Objective The authors reviewed the suicide rates of Yangpu District of Shanghai in 1997, 1998 and 1999, and tried to find what social and psychological risk factors are related to suicide.Method The data came from the District of Public Security Organs,which had quite detailed records of every suicidal case. The general information of each case included: age, gender, methods of suicide,and social life and other anticipant. Results The average yearly suicide rate is 8.6/100000, and the ratio of men to women is 1.25 to 1.Two peaks of suicide rates are found that young people aged 25～34 years old (12.1/100,000) and elderly people aged over 65 years old(20.3/100,000).Hanging and jumping from height are more common used by the male suicides,while the overdose of drugs and gas are common used by females. Conclusion Suicide is an important mental health and social problem, and should be paid more attention since the rakes among young people are increasing, and there are a lot of unclear reasons and questions needed to answer and study in the future.