Suicide Trends Research Articles

Sex-related inequalities in crude and age-standardized suicide rates: trends in Ghana from 2000 to 2019

BackgroundSuicide represents a major public health concern, affecting a significant portion of individuals. However, there remains a gap in understanding the age and sex disparities in the occurrence of suicide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sex-related inequalities in suicide rates in Ghana from 2000 to 2019.MethodsWe utilized data from the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) online software. We analysed sex differences in both crude and age-standardized suicide rates in Ghana spanning from 2000 to 2019. Crude and age-adjusted suicide rates were calculated based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) definition and coding of suicide mortality. We measured inequality in terms of sex. Two inequality indicators were used to examine the suicide rates: the difference (D) and the ratio (R).ResultsAge-standardized and crude suicide rates in Ghana were higher among men from 2000 to 2019. Between 2000 and 2007, the age-standardized suicide rate for women rose steadily and declined slightly between 2008 and 2019. Age-standardized suicide rates for men increased consistently from 2000 to 2010, then declined steadily from 2011 to 2019. The crude suicide rates among men and women followed similar patterns. The widest absolute inequality in crude suicide rates (D) was recorded in 2013 (D=-11.91), while the smallest difference was observed in 2000 (D=-7.16). We also found the greatest disparity in age-standardized rates in 2011 (D=-21.46) and the least in 2000 (D=-14.32). The crude suicide rates increased with age for both men and women aged 15–54 years and 55–85+ years respectively. However, the increased rate was higher in men than in women across all age groups surveyed. A similar pattern was observed for relative inequality in both crude and age-standardized rates of suicide.ConclusionThe suicide rate in Ghana has declined over time. Suicide is more common among older men. Inequalities in suicide rates, in both absolute and relative terms, are similar. There is a need to monitor suicide trends in Ghana, especially among older men. Moreover, the findings could serve as a basis for future studies on suicide in Ghana.

Trends in Adolescent Suicide by Method in the US, 1999-2020

Adolescent suicide in the US is a major public health problem, yet temporal trends in suicide methods by demographics are understudied. To examine national trends in suicide mortality by method (firearm, poisoning, hanging and asphyxiation, and all other means) from 1999 to 2020 by demographic characteristics. This serial cross-sectional study used national death certificate data of adolescent (aged 10-19 years) suicide decedents compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2020. Data analysis was performed from April 1, 2023, to July 9, 2023. Age, sex, and race and ethnicity. Trends in age-standardized mortality rates and average annual percent change (AAPC) in rates were estimated by age, sex, and race and ethnicity for each suicide method. This study assessed data from 47 217 adolescent suicide decedents. From 1999 to 2020, suicide by firearm (AAPC, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9), poisoning (AAPC, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-4.4), hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.2-4.6), and other means (AAPC, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-4.6) increased. Rapidly increasing rates were observed among female adolescents for poisoning (AAPC, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-6.7) and hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 5.9; 95% CI, 5.0-6.8) suicides. From 2007 to 2020, firearm suicides sharply increased among female (annual percent change [APC], 7.8; 95% CI, 6.0-9.5) and male (APC, 5.3; 95% CI, 4.3-6.3) adolescents. Firearm suicide rates increased among Black adolescents from 2012 to 2020 (APC, 14.5; 95% CI, 9.7-19.5), Asian and Pacific Islander adolescents from 2008 to 2020 (APC, 12.0; 95% CI, 9.7-14.5), American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents from 2014 to 2020 (APC, 10.6; 95% CI, 2.6-19.3), and Hispanic or Latino adolescents from 2011 to 2020 (APC, 10.2; 95% CI, 6.3-13.8). During the study period, Black adolescents had the highest average increase in hanging and asphyxiation suicides (AAPC, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2-5.2). From 2011 to 2020, poisoning suicide deaths increased (APC, 12.6; 95% CI, 8.5-16.7) among female adolescents. Suicide rates increased across all methods from 1999 to 2020. Differences were noted by sex, age, and race and ethnicity. Increasing suicide rates among racial and ethnic minoritized youth are especially concerning, and effective prevention strategies are urgently needed.

Breaking the Silence: An Epidemiological Report on Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth Mental Health and Suicide (1999-2021).

Limited studies have focused on recent trends in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth suicide. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological trends in AAPI youth suicide and reports of depressive symptoms among Asian and Pacific Islander youth in the USA. This cross-sectional study analyzed mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) and reports of depressive symptoms from the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System (YRBSS). Data from 1999 to 2021 were analyzed for suicide rates and methods used among AAPI youth aged 5-24 years. YRBSS data from 1991 to 2021 were analyzed for depressive symptoms reported by Asian American (AA) 9th-12th graders. From 1999 to 2021, 4747 AAPI youth died by suicide in the USA. Rates of suicide doubled from 3.6 to 7.1 per 100,000 during 1999-2021, with an increasing trend observed from 2014 onwards. The most common methods of suicide deaths in this population were suffocation, firearms and poisoning. Rates of suicide were higher among AA males than females, although more AA females reported depressive symptoms, including suicidal planning and attempts. This study shows a concerning increase in suicide rates among AAPI youth over 1999-2021. Suffocation, firearms and poisoning were the most common methods used. While more AAPI males died by suicide, AA females reported higher rates of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies and clinical interventions for this vulnerable population. The study also emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health stigma to improve reporting and support for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) youth.

Insufficient Sleep is Associated With Increasing Trends in Adolescent Suicidal Behaviors

PurposeYouth suicide has been increasing and became a public health concern worldwide. Identifying insufficient sleep as the potential risk factor is critical to reducing suicide risk and increasing trends. This study aimed to determine whether insufficient sleep is associated with increasing trends in suicidal behaviors and disparities by sex, age, and race/ethnicity among school adolescents. MethodsThe present study used biennial data from the US nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2007 to 2019. Joinpoint regression models were used to estimate biennial percent changes (BPCs) and average BPCs (ABPCs) of suicidal behaviors by sleep duration. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between insufficient sleep and suicidal behaviors. ResultsOf 73,356 adolescent students included (mean [standard deviation] age, 16.11 [1.23] years), 50.03% were female. Suicidal ideation and suicide plan among insufficient sleep group increased from 2007 to 2019 (BPC = 2.88% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.65%, 4.13%]; BPC = 3.42% [95% CI: 2.09%, 4.77%]), but were nonsignificant among sufficient sleep group. Trends in suicidal ideation (ABPC = 3.03% [95% CI: 1.35%, 4.73%]) and suicide plan (ABPC = 4.03% [95% CI: 2.47%, 5.62%]) among female adolescents with insufficient sleep increased, but nonsignificant among male adolescents with insufficient sleep. Suicidal ideation (ABPC = 1.73% [95% CI: 0.51%, 2.97%]) and suicide plan (ABPC = 2.31% [95% CI: 0.70%, 3.95%]) increased among younger adolescents only with insufficient sleep, whereas suicide trends by sleep duration were similar among older adolescents. Suicide plan among insufficient sleep group increased across the four racial groups, with BPC highest for the White (BPC = 3.48% [95% CI: 1.31%, 5.69%]), and lowest for the Hispanic/Latino (BPC = 1.18% [95% CI: 0.15%, 2.23%]), but were nonsignificant among sufficient sleep group except for the White (BPC = 2.83% [95% CI: 0.62%, 5.09%]). DiscussionInsufficient sleep was disproportionately associated with increasing trends in suicidal behaviors among female, younger, and non-White adolescent students. Ensuring sufficient sleep can potentially reduce suicide among school adolescents.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide mortality and previous mental health, suicidality and service use in Queensland, Australia, from 2001 to 2021

BackgroundThe current study aimed to compare current suicide rates, trends, previous treatment, suicidality and mental health diagnoses for First Nations and non-Indigenous young people who died by suicide. MethodsAge-specific suicide rates (ASSRs) were calculated per 100,000 persons/year using suicides aged 10–19 years in the Queensland Suicide Register. Rate Ratios (RRs) and 95 % CIs compared ASSRs for First Nations and non-Indigenous youth dying by suicide in Queensland, Australia, from 2001 to 2018. Risk ratios (RiskR) with 95 % CIs compared characteristics between First Nations and non-Indigenous youth suicides. Joinpoint regression was used to identify any changes in trends and annual percentage change (APC) in suicides with 95 % CIs. ResultsThe First Nations youth ASSR was 24.71 deaths per 100,000 persons/year, 4.5 times the non-Indigenous ASSR (95 % CI = 3.74–5.38, p < 0.001). Both non-Indigenous and First Nations suicide trends were stable with no joinpoints (APC: 0.3 %, 95 % CI: −1.6-2.2, p = 0.78; APC: 0.9 %, 95 % CI: −0.2-2.1, p = 0.11). Less than a quarter (23.9 %) of First Nations young people had ever received mental health treatment, significantly fewer than non-Indigenous youth (RiskR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.71–0.90, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the three months preceding their death, only 14.5 % of First Nations young people had received mental health treatment (RiskR = 0.89, 95 % CI = 0.83–97, p = 0.015). LimitationsReported mental illness, suicidality and help-seeking could be underreported due to concealment from family or police. ConclusionsThe current study finds no change in the gap between the First Nations and Non-Indigenous youth suicide rates nor evidence of decrease in the First Nations youth suicide rate. There is a need for alternative approaches to Indigenous youth suicide prevention, such as assertive outreach models outside of traditional triage and mental health systems to proactively build trusting relationships with young people in communities to identify young people needing support.

Suicide Methods and Trends Across Race/Ethnicity, Age, and Sex Groups in Chicago, Illinois, 2015-2021.

Objectives. To measure differences in suicide rates across race/ethnicity, age, and sex groups in Chicago, Illinois, from 2015 to 2021. Methods. We calculated the incidence rate and annual percentage change in suicides among Asian, Black, Latino/a, and White persons in Chicago. We also analyzed patterns in suicide method across race/ethnicity, age, and sex groups. Results. Suicides increased significantly among Black males (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 1.20), Black females (IRR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.33), and Latino males (IRR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.38) between 2015 and 2021. Suicides decreased overall among White Chicagoans during this period. A significantly greater proportion of Black males than Black females died by suicide using a firearm (55.79% vs 24.05%; P < .001). Similar results were detected for Latino males and females (32.99% vs 9.09%; P = .001) and White males and females (30.10% vs 11.73%; P < .001). Conclusions. Black persons in Chicago were the only group to experience significant increases in suicide among both males and females from 2015 to 2021, although specific methods used varied by race/ethnicity and sex group. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(3):319-328. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307511).

Global trends in youth suicide from 1990 to 2020: an analysis of data from the WHO mortality database

Suicide is a serious but preventable public health concern at the global level, showing relevant geographical differences. This study aims to monitor global temporal and geographical patterns in suicide mortality in pre-adolescents, adolescents, and young adults (i.e., aged 10-24 years), from 1990 to 2020 or the most recent available year. Using the World Health Organisation mortality database, we conducted an analysis on a subset of 52 countries with valid and high-quality data. We computed age-standardised suicide rates (ASR) by sex, country, and calendar year, and performed a joinpoint regression analysis to identify significant changes in the temporal suicide trends over the studied period. High variability in suicide rates and trends was observed, with a male-to-female ratio of two to five. Between 1990 and 2020, most European countries reported declining suicide trends, with some exceptions. In particular, alarming trends emerged in the United Kingdom, with annual rises of 2.5% (95% CI: 1.6-3.5) since 2005 among males and 8.5% (95% CI: 4.7-12.6) since 2012 among females. The most favorable trends and lowest suicide rates were in Southern Europe, with 3.1/100,000 persons in Italy (2020) and 3.5/100,000 persons in Spain (2021) among males, and 0.9/100,000 persons in Italy (2020) and 1.1/100,000 persons in Romania (2019) among females. Conversely, the highest rates were in Central-Eastern Europe, with 10.2/100,000 males in the Russian Federation (2019) and 10.0/100,000 males in Poland (2002). Higher suicide rates and significant increases were reported in not European areas. The highest ASR was 15.5/100,000 males in the United States of America, with an annual increase of 3.8% (95% CI: 3.1-4.5) among males in 2009-2020 and 6.7% (95% CI: 5.6-7.8) among females in 2007-2017, followed by a levelling off. Temporal and geographical comparisons of suicide mortality should be interpreted with caution due to potential misclassification or under-reporting of suicide deaths in some countries. None.

15-Year Suicide Trends Using Media Reporting Methodology from the Tricity Region of Chandigarh: A Brief Analysis

Introduction: Suicide has become a societal crisis owing to the recent increasing trends globally. Of the total suicide deaths globally, two-thirds occur in the developing countries including India. The available data on suicide in India reflect a rate of 11% (according to the National Crime Records Bureau 2013) with the highest rates in older adult males and an increasing trend of suicide deaths in younger age groups. Much of the literature is from the southern part of India with a relatively sparse data from North India. Aim and Methodology: The aim was to examine the 15-year (2004-2019) trend of suicide (age and gender distribution, methods used, and reasons) in an urban city in North India. Information was collected from the leading newspapers (English, Hindi, and Punjabi) of the area. Duplication of information was avoided, and statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: Fluctuations in the total number of suicide cases over the 15-year period were observed with nearly 63% of people committing suicide being younger than 30 years of age, of whom 53% were male. More females in the younger age group and more males in the older age group were suicide victims. Of all the methods used, hanging was the most common (70%), followed by consuming poisonous substance, jumping from height, shooting self, and stabbing in the descending order. A ceiling fan was used for hanging by 32% of victims who hanged themselves, of whom 65% were male. Among the cited reasons, stress/depression was experienced by 19% of victims. Discussion and Conclusion: The trends with respect to age distribution, gender, and method used that is reported in the current study are in line with the trends reported globally. The preventive measures, especially using technological advances in designing fans not suitable for tying noose around it, can be explored.

Trend of suicide by self-immolation in a 13-year timeline: was the COVID-19 pandemic a potentially important stressor?

Self-immolation is an uncommon way of attempting and committing a suicide, with a fatality rate of 80%. The risk factors in self-immolation victims vary depending on demographic characteristics, socio-economic and cultural factors as well as religious beliefs. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic was a potentially important stressor for self-immolation is still unknown, with insufficient studies examining this issue. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the trend of self-immolation in a 13-year timeline, and the potential association of COVID-19 pandemic with the increase in the incidence and severity of self-immolation injuries in Serbia in 2021. The study included hospitalized patients due to intentional burns caused by self-immolation in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis was used for the analysis of continuous linear trends of self-immolation cases with change points. While a rising trend was observed in the 2008-2013 time segment, followed by a decline in the upcoming 2013-2016 time segment, a significant increase reached its maximum during COVID-19 pandemic (2021), with annual percent change of 37.1% (p = 0.001). A significant increase in the median number of cases per year was observed during 2021 compared to the previous periods (7.5 vs. 2). Frequency of patients with a psychiatric diagnosis vs. those without a psychiatric diagnosis was significantly higher during than before the COVID-19 period (66.7 vs. 36.1%, p = 0.046). In our study, a significant increase in the frequency of suicide attempts by self-immolation during COVID-19 pandemic was noticed. There was also an increased frequency of pre-existing psychiatric illness among patients during the pandemic period. With limited high-quality data available, the study adds to a rising body of evidence for assessment of outcomes of the pandemic on mental health and recognition of stressors for self-immolation.

Excess suicides in Japan: A three-year post-pandemic assessment of gender and age disparities

This study offers an in-depth analysis of Japan's suicide trends three years after the COVID-19 outbreak. Using data from the National Police Agency (January 2010-May 2023), we examined suicide rates across genders and age groups. Employing the quasi-Poisson regression, we predicted monthly death counts. Findings indicate a steady rise in female suicides from April 2020 to January 2023. Notably, male cohorts aged 50–59 and over 80 in 2022 displayed heightened death rates. While these trends may reflect the impacts of the pandemic, it is essential to consider other factors, including socio-economic changes, to fully understand the context of Japan's suicide patterns.

The Importance of Awareness and Prevention of Suicide Trends in Youth

The Importance of Awareness and Prevention of Suicide Trends in Youth

Suicide in Military and Veteran Populations: A View Across the Five Eyes Nations

Objective This commentary highlights challenges and opportunities in suicide prevention across the military and veteran populations of the Five Eyes nations. Methods Trends in suicides and suicidality in military and veteran populations are outlined, as well as identified risk and protective factors, and approaches to suicide prevention. Results Suicide risk is higher in veterans compared to current serving and community samples. Despite extensive research, the causation, prediction, and prevention of suicide, is still not well understood. We propose areas for further attention in prevention strategies. Conclusion Suicide and suicidality are issues of concern in military and veteran populations. Suicide prevention requires commitment to continuous improvement through research, analysis, and incorporation of evolving best practice.

Suicide rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are well-documented in the literature, but its influence on suicidal patterns shows divergent results. We aim to comprehensively synthesize evidence on potential changes or stability of suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.MethodsA comprehensive search of studies reporting suicide rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Eligible studies reported incidences of confirmed suicides (suspected in special cases) for two time periods, before (until February 2020) and during (from March 2020 to June 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. A meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effect model was performed to estimate the pre- and during-pandemic incidence rates of suicide with 95% confidence intervals. Differences in pre- and during-pandemic rates were formally tested using a heterogeneity test.ResultsA total of 34 studies were included in the review capturing suicide data from over 40 countries and regions. The meta-analysis outputs did not indicate a significant change in suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pooled suicide rate in the studied period before the pandemic was 11.38 per 100,000 (95% CI 9.35–13.42) and in the period during the pandemic was 10.65 per 100,000 (95% CI 8.61–12.68).ConclusionNo significant change in suicide rates was observed during the COVID pandemic from a global perspective for the periods examined. A longer follow-up can provide additional insights into such suicide trends globally. Improvements in data reporting, specifically with implementation of real-time surveillance, is imperative to provide adequate suicide prevention and support.

(365) Understanding Suicide Trends Among Floridian Males; An Essential Component of a Men’s Health Initiative

Abstract Introduction Collecting regional health data is imperative to guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies that will ultimately improve men’s health. Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among males of all age groups within the United States. Understanding the demographics of male suicide, as well as age, racial, and ethnic disparities is critical in developing targeted solutions to this devastating problem. Objective The objectives were to identify the magnitude of male suicide within the State of Florida in terms of overall incidence. Additionally, we sought to identify age, racial, and ethnic disparities within the state, as well as any potential trends in these variables. A description of the various disparities of the modality used to commit suicide was of interest, as well. Methods Data was obtained from the United States Census Bureau, the State Department of Health, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Included within a number of reports prepared by these organizations were demographic data on population size, age, race, and ethnicity within our state. The Florida Department of Health provided health indicator data from several different sources, which included death certificates and results from the 2015 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). The BRFSS is an annual random sample, state-based, telephone survey used to collect data from Florida residents regarding individual health practices and risk behaviors. Finally, we used the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ National Center for Health Statistics Mortality in the United States Report to obtain life expectancy at birth data in Florida and in the US by both race and sex. Causes of death for suicide were coded based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Comparative data was developed in the context of age, race/ethnicity, and mechanism of suicide. Results Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in Floridian men ages 18-54, accounting for 1,700 deaths annually. Floridian males have more than three times the rate of suicide deaths compared to females. In 2021, non-Hispanic and White men had the highest suicide death rate per 100,000 individuals at 24.3 and 24 respectively compared to Black men at 10.3. (see Figure 1). In 2021, firearms were used in the majority of suicide deaths across the state and all age groups, accounting for 63%. Suffocation accounted for 21%, followed by poisoning at 8%. Conclusions This study corroborates national data suggesting that suicide is a major health problem that preferentially impacts males. Racial, ethnic, and geographic health disparities among Floridian males exist as demonstrated by accumulated data on suicide death rates. This data is extremely important for Men’s Health experts to recognize and understand. A continued focus on strengthening data and research on suicide is needed to provide prevention initiatives and strategies targeted towards these vulnerable populations. Disclosure No.

Trends in suicide mortality among cancer survivors in the US, 1975-2020.

Suicide in cancer survivors is a major public health concern, but its trends and risk factors are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the standardized mortality rate (SMR) and trends in suicide among cancer survivors in the United States. Using data from the SEER-9 database and US Mortality data, we identified 3,684,040 cancer survivors diagnosed between 1975 and 2020. The SMR of suicide among cancer survivors was calculated, and Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate trends in suicide risk. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, gender, race, tumor site, and stage. A competing risk model was used to calculate the 10-year cumulative incidence of suicide. Among cancer survivors, the overall SMR of suicide was 1.49 (95%CI: 1.46-1.53) times higher than that of the general population in the US. The risk of suicide varied significantly by cancer site, with the highest risk found in patients with malignant respiratory system cancer. Overall, we observed a significant downward trend in the suicide mortality rate among cancer patients. The cumulative incidence of suicide mortality among cancer survivors across four study periods exhibited significant statistical differences (P<0.001). Our study highlights the need for targeted suicide prevention efforts for cancer survivors, particularly those diagnosed with respiratory system cancer. The trend of declining suicide mortality rates among cancer survivors is promising, but continued efforts are needed to understand and address the underlying risk factors.

Predicting state level suicide fatalities in the united states with realtime data and machine learning

Digital trace data and machine learning techniques are increasingly being adopted to predict suicide-related outcomes at the individual level; however, there is also considerable public health need for timely data about suicide trends at the population level. Although significant geographic variation in suicide rates exist by state within the United States, national systems for reporting state suicide trends typically lag by one or more years. We developed and validated a deep learning based approach to utilize real-time, state-level online (Mental Health America web-based depression screenings; Google and YouTube Search Trends), social media (Twitter), and health administrative data (National Syndromic Surveillance Program emergency department visits) to estimate weekly suicide counts in four participating states. Specifically, per state, we built a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network model to combine signals from the real-time data sources and compared predicted values of suicide deaths from our model to observed values in the same state. Our LSTM model produced accurate estimates of state-specific suicide rates in all four states (percentage error in suicide rate of −2.768% for Utah, −2.823% for Louisiana, −3.449% for New York, and −5.323% for Colorado). Furthermore, our deep learning based approach outperformed current gold-standard baseline autoregressive models that use historical death data alone. We demonstrate an approach to incorporate signals from multiple proxy real-time data sources that can potentially provide more timely estimates of suicide trends at the state level. Timely suicide data at the state level has the potential to improve suicide prevention planning and response tailored to the needs of specific geographic communities.

The patterns, trends and major risk factors of suicide among Indian adolescents – a scoping review

BackgroundAdolescence is an essential stage for the development of mental health, and suicide is among the leading cause of mortality for adolescents around the world. In India, the suicide rate among adolescents has been increasing in recent years. The scoping review was conducted to map the evidence and address gaps by examining the existing pattern, and trends, and identify the major risk factors of suicide among Indian adolescents.MethodsThe study was conducted as per the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ manual. The systematic search was performed using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and PsycINFO, by using specific keywords. After the screening, 35 articles were identified according to the inclusion criteria.ResultsThe evidence on the trends of suicide among adolescents showed that the suicide rate has shown an alarming increase in recent years. The evidence pattern showed that hanging and poisoning were the commonly selected methods used by adolescents. The most commonly reported risk factors were mental health problems (54.28%), negative or traumatic familiar issues (34.28%), academic stress (22.85%), social/lifestyle factors (20%), violence (22.85%), economic distresses (8.75%), relationship factor (8.75%).ConclusionBy synthesizing and summarising the patterns, trends, and key risk factors of suicide among Indian adolescents, this scoping review provides a broad understanding of the literature already in existence. In order to effectively tackle these issues, the finding highlights the urgent need for extensive and targeted suicide prevention measures.

Examining the Spread of Charcoal-Burning Suicide in Taiwan.

Background: Charcoal-burning has become a predominant method of suicide in many East-Asian countries since the 1990s. Aims: To explore charcoal-burning suicide trends from 1996 to 2020 in Taiwan. Methods: Joinpoint regression models were applied to identify suicide trends over the study period. Decompositional analyses quantified the contributions of age, sex, suicide method, and area of residence to suicide rate trends, accounting for age and geographical distribution of the general population, with a focus on charcoal-burning suicide. Results: There were three stages of suicide rate trends: increasing (1996-2006), descending (2006-2011), and levelling-off (2011-2020). Suicide by charcoal-burning accounted for 70% of the increasing suicide rates between 1996 and 2006 and 50% of the decreasing rates in the descending stage (2011-2020). During the levelling-off stage, suicide by charcoal-burning continued to decrease, albeit slowly. During the descending stage, there was a partial "substitution" of jumping for charcoal-burning. During the levelling-off stage, suicide by hanging partially "substituted" for suicide by charcoal-burning. Limitations: The variables included were limited by data availability. Conclusions: Charcoal-burning remains the second most common method of suicide in Taiwan today. Charcoal-burning has been partially replaced in the last 10 years by jumping and hanging. Monitoring suicide methods and trends is essential for suicide prevention interventions.

Exploring the link between the increase in high-rise buildings and youth jumping suicide in Taiwan: A longitudinal study.

From 2010 to 2021, suicide rates in 15-24 age group in Taiwan increased by 70%, with jumping being the most common method in 2021. We examined the link between the rise in youth suicides and the increase in high-rise buildings during this period. Spearman's correlation coefficients and negative binomial mixed-effects models were employed to assess the association between the increase in high-rise buildings and jumping suicides over time. Spearman's correlation coefficients of high-rise buildings and jumping suicide rates in youth decreased from 0.692 (p < 0.001) in 2010 to 0.354 (p = 0.11) in 2021. Negative binomial mixed-effects models showed that although jumping suicide rates in youths increased over time, the increase in numbers of high-rise buildings was not related to rates of youth suicide by jumping. Conversely, in older age groups, the correlations were still prominent. Despite the rising trend in youth suicides by jumping over the past 11 years, our study refutes the intuitive notion that the increase in high-rise buildings contributes to this trend. It is imperative to identify and address other potential factors, such as academic stress and/or family disruptions, for effective prevention of youth suicide.

Reflections on the trends of suicide in Sri Lanka, 1997-2022: The need for continued vigilance.

Despite reductions in suicide rates in Sri Lanka during the past decades, largely by introduction of national bans on highly hazardous pesticides, the country continues to record a higher than global average rate of suicide. With the changing availability of methods of suicide over time, we aimed to examine the age-standardized suicide rates in Sri Lanka by sex, age, and method between 1997 to 2022 using national police suicide data to identify trends. The rate of suicide in Sri Lanka in 2022 was 27/100,000 and 5/100,000, in males and females respectively, with an overall suicide rate of 15/100,000 population. When considering the previous decades, the overall rate of suicide has declined from 1997 until about 2015, in both sexes, driven by a drop in the numbers of suicides due to pesticide ingestion. In females the overall rates of suicide plateaued around 2015, but in males there has been an upward trend in overall suicide that started in 2016, mostly due to an increase in rates of hanging. Since 2016 rates of suicide by hanging have increased among older males, and young females (17-25 years). Whilst the current suicide rate in Sri Lanka is substantially lower than it was during the 1990s, the upward trend in hanging seen in the last few years, particularly among older men and young women, is of concern. Ongoing monitoring of suicide rates should be a priority during the next few years, to detect and respond to changes as soon as possible. There is an urgent need to address current risk factors for suicide in Sri Lanka, such as significant financial insecurity, unemployment, depression, alcohol misuse, and domestic violence, and to minimize media glamourization of hanging by suicide.