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Lyu J, Zhang J, Wang L. Declining suicide rates in China (1990-2017): Gender and age specific analyses. J Affect Disord 2024; 352:19-25. [PMID: 38336166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China suicide rates have been declining for about three decades. Patterns of suicide for women and men across the lifespan over time however have not been systematically documented. METHODS Official suicide mortality data (from 1990 to 2017) available via China CDC were used to examine suicide patterns by gender and age in each of the 33 provincial-level regions. Suicide data were aggregated by five years, except for the year of 2017. The bar graphs were used to descriptive the change tread of the suicide rate. RESULTS In the past three decades, the decline in female suicide rates was greater than that in the male rates, with the overall male to female (M/F) ratio changing from 0.88 in 1996 to 1.56 in 2017. The overall suicide rate of male was 8.82 and female was 5.65 per 100,000 persons in 2017. However the decline of suicide rates for people aged 70 and older was the greatest declination (33.73/per 100,000 persons) among all the age groups in China. CONCLUSION Overall suicide rates have declined over the three decades in China, particularly among females and individuals age 70+ years. Suicide rates continue to be higher among individuals aged 50 and older (particularly among men), and this population should continue to the focus for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Lyu
- Shandong Second Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Central University of Finance and Economics Department of Sociology, Beijing, China; State University of New York Buffalo State University Department of Sociology, New York, USA.
| | - Lijun Wang
- China Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Beijing, China
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Utyasheva L, Robertson G, Sharma JR. Perception of the criminality of attempted suicide in Nepal and its impact on suicide reporting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2022; 83:101796. [PMID: 35594745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2022.101796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In 2018-2019, according to the official statistics, 5754 people died as a result of suicide in Nepal. This is a high number for a country with a population of 29 million people. Experts believe that the actual rate is considerably higher and that many suicides are not reported. This underreporting of suicide is frequently blamed on the stigma and the criminality of attempted suicide. Yet, there has never been a criminal liability for attempted suicide in Nepal. This article discusses the reasons for the perception of the criminality of attempted suicide in the country, its consequences, and the ways of addressing them. We found that the involvement of the police at the initial stages of suicide investigation confirms public perceptions that attempted suicide is a punishable offense and this may reinforce the stigma of suicide. Recent criminalization of the abetment of suicide has contributed to this perception as the public may not be clear about the distinction between abetment of suicide and attempted suicide. Criminalization of suicide not in the laws but in minds discourages reporting and help-seeking behaviour and victimizes people who need support and services. We argue that decriminalization is more than removing the outdated legal clauses from the legal statutes, but also public awareness raising about the reasons for police investigation of suspicious deaths, sensitivity training, and education of government officials, policymakers, and police about suicide and its prevention. These are needed to dispel the myth of criminalization of attempted suicide in Nepal. Our findings could be of wider interest to scholars working on reducing the stigma of suicide and decriminalization of suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Utyasheva
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, and Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, PTT, QMRI E3.22a, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Gael Robertson
- Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Cres, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| | - Jeevan R Sharma
- Chrysal Macmillan Building, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9LD, UK.
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Qiao J, Xia T, Fang B, Cai R, Chen L, Qian N, Yu H, Jin S, Wang C, Fu C. The reversing trend in suicide rates in Shanghai, China, from 2002 to 2020. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:147-154. [PMID: 35429532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore changing patterns in suicides and provide suggestions for suicide prevention by reviewing all suicide deaths from 2002 to 2020 in Shanghai, China. METHODS Suicide-death data were obtained from the Shanghai Death Surveillance System and analyzed in terms of year, sex, age group, area, suicide method, and depression diagnosis. Joinpoint regression analyses were conducted to examine time trends in suicide rates. RESULTS The age-adjusted suicide rate was 6.15/100,000 in 2002 and 5.10/100,000 in 2020. The change in this rate was U-shaped, with a downward trend before 2009 followed by an upward trend. The rate initially decreased by 6.33% annually (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 4.25-8.37%) but, after 2009, increased by 2.60% annually (95%CI: 1.49-3.71%). Similar trends were found for men and women, the 0-29y and 30-49y age groups, and residents of central and suburban areas, respectively. In 2020, jumping from a high place was the leading suicide method (39.54%), and 22.54% of suicide victims had a diagnosis of depression. LIMITATIONS Suicides may be misclassified in coding (however, provided misclassification rates remain stable, this should not influence overall trends). Suicides among temporary residents were not included because of inadequate stratified population data. The finding of a higher prevalence of depression may have been impacted by a higher detection rate. CONCLUSIONS The post-2002 decline in Shanghai suicide rates reversed in 2009, and the suicide pattern changed greatly from 2002 to 2020. With the current increasing trend in suicide rates, targeted suicide-prevention strategies featuring multi-departmental cooperation are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Qiao
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tian Xia
- Institute of Health Information, Shanghai Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bo Fang
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Renzhi Cai
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
| | - Naisi Qian
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huiting Yu
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shan Jin
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunfang Wang
- Department of Vital Statistics, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chen Fu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China.
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Matsubayashi T, Ueda M. Is suicide underreported? Evidence from Japan. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1571-1578. [PMID: 34767033 PMCID: PMC9288949 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The underreporting of suicides has been a serious global concern among scholars and policymakers. Several studies have sought to detect the prevalence of underreporting by examining whether suicide mortality rates are negatively correlated with those due to unknown intent or causes. This study adds to the literature by examining the potential underreporting of suicides in Japan, where suicide rates have greatly declined in the recent years. METHODS We compiled subnational data from 47 prefectures between 1995 and 2016, obtained from Vital Statistics of Japan. We examined whether (1) mortality rates due to unknown intent or causes increased as suicide rates decreased; and (2) major socioeconomic causes of suicide (unemployment and divorce rates) had any relationship with the deaths due to unknown intent or causes. RESULTS Our analysis indicates that mortality rates due to unknown intent or causes were uncorrelated with suicide rates and the above socioeconomic indicators. CONCLUSIONS In Japan, the frequency of suicides has no systematic relationship with deaths due to unknown intent or causes, suggesting the accuracy of suicide statistics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michiko Ueda
- grid.5290.e0000 0004 1936 9975Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Bizri M, Zeinoun L, Mihailescu AM, Daher M, Atoui M, Chammay R, Nahas Z. A closer look at patterns and characteristics of suicide in Lebanon: A first nationwide report of cases from 2008 to 2018. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 59:102635. [PMID: 33845301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a leading preventable cause of mortality worldwide. Suicide rates in Lebanon are unknown, as reported numbers are extrapolated and modeled over neighboring countries with poor quality of vital registration data. METHODS Numbers of death by suicide were obtained from the Internal Security Forces records from January 2008 through December 2018. Records from 2011 through 2018 specified the gender of the individual, the means of the suicide, the date and place of suicide. As of March 2014, nationality of the individual was recorded. RESULTS The total recorded number of completed suicides over 11 years is 1366 with an annual rate ranging between 1.87 and 2.4 per 100,000 capita. The male to female ratio was 2:1. Death by firearms (41.4 %) was the most common means used, followed by hanging (26.5 %), jumping from a height (13.6 %), and poisoning (13.5 %). Males were more likely to use firearms while females were more likely to use hanging or jumping from a height (p < 0.001), the latter being a common finding in non-Lebanese nationals (Ethiopian). Suicides were most common in Mount Lebanon and least common in Nabatieh governates, while their distribution across seasons was similar. CONCLUSION In Lebanon, like most of the Middle Eastern countries, suicide is a social and religious taboo. Our study shows a sizable prevalence of suicide rates, particularly after national efforts to improve awareness and reporting. Suicide means and vulnerable populations should be at the heart of targeted prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bizri
- Department of Psychiatry, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | | - Alexandra M Mihailescu
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rabih Chammay
- National Mental Health Program, Ministry of Public health, Beirut, Lebanon; Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ziad Nahas
- Embrace NGO, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
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Li F, Jia H, Cai Z, Liu S, Lu X, Zeng X, Yip PSF. Putting the Blame on Others in Suicide Notes From Shanghai and Wuhan, China. CRISIS 2020; 41:469-474. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Suicide note leavers sometimes blame others for their death. The blame could reveal extrinsic suicide risk factors and thus countermeasures may be ascertained. Aims: This study included suicide note leavers in Shanghai and Wuhan ( n = 555) to examine (a) who was inclined to put the blame (b) on whom and (c) for what reason(s). Method: Logistic regressions were used to compare the note leavers who blamed others with those who did not. Cramer's V tests were used to examine the correlations between the note leavers' demographics and the targets of the blame. Results: Note leavers who used poisoning and cutting were more likely to blame others compared with those who used jumping, drowning, and hanging. Non-native note leavers tended to more frequently blame social problems and their workplaces compared with the natives. The common reasons for the blame on nonfamily members, children, and lovers/spouses were being mistakenly blamed for something, being disobedient, and having conflicts/hatred, respectively. Limitations: Some blame could have been made under the influence of psychiatric disorder/substances, and thus potentially deviated from the facts. Conclusion: Emotional/marriage consultations and family-therapy services should be made available to females experiencing love/family crises. Mental health services in the workplace could help reduce suicide risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Haipeng Jia
- Criminal Detective Department, Qiaokou District of Wuhan Municipal Public Security Bureau, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyi Cai
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sihai Liu
- Criminal Detective Department, Jiang'an District of Wuhan Municipal Public Security Bureau, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuesong Lu
- Criminal Science Institute, Pudong District of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Zeng
- Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Paul S. F. Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Li F, Yip PSF. How to make adjustments of underreporting of suicide by place, gender, and age in China? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2020; 55:1133-1143. [PMID: 32221643 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01856-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Underreporting of suicide is a worldwide problem. In particular, the national suicide rates published by the Chinese Ministry of Health ("MOH") could be severely underreported. Validity of the assumption of evenly underreported of suicide by place (city/rural), gender, and age in China has been evaluated and some possible adjustments to the underreporting have been suggested. METHODS Mortality rates from the MOH from 2002 to 2016 were extracted. Due to zero undetermined deaths, accidental deaths (weighted by causes of death) were used to evaluate underreported suicides. 53% of drownings, 11% of falls, 11% of poisonings, and 7% of other accidents were assumed as underreported suicides. Negative binomial regressions were used to calculate the rate ratios of the underreported suicides compared to suicides. Negative binomial regressions were also used to calculate the annual percentage changes of different mortality rates. RESULTS Suicides of rural males could most likely be underreported (49%; 95% CI 39-61%), but suicides of rural females would least likely (30%; 95% CI 24-38%). Suicides of people aged 15-24 years and 75 years and above could more likely to be underreported than other ages. After adding the underreported suicides, declining trends of the national suicide rates had been eased. CONCLUSIONS People who lack social connection could have a high possibility of underreporting suicide. However, when rural females died of unnatural causes, their parents or even the whole village tended to quest for their intents, thus rural females had a lower possibility of underreporting suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Social Work and Social Administration Department, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Social Work and Social Administration Department, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Jockey Club Building for Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Comparing Accidental Drownings Between Local Permanent Residents and Internal Migrants in Pudong, Shanghai, China (2004–2017). JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12134-020-00770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Mortalities of methamphetamine, opioid, and ketamine abusers in Shanghai and Wuhan, China. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 306:110093. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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