Suicide in Young Singaporeans Aged 10–24 Years Between 2000 to 2004

Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the features of young suicide in order to contribute to suicide prevention efforts. In this article, the demographic, clinical, and suicide-related features of all cases of young suicide (aged 10–24 years) in Singapore for the years 2000–2004 are described. We also compared those who sought mental health services to those who did not. Overall, the suicide rate was 5.7 per 100, 000, with gender ratio of 1:1 and higher rates among ethnic Indians. Psychosocial stressors and suicide by jumping from height were common. Mental health service use was associated with unemployment, previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, more use of lethal methods, lack of identifiable stressor, and less suicide notes. Suicide prevention efforts should promote awareness of suicide risks and access to mental health services.

Keywords:

• mental health services
• Singapore
• young suicides

Notes

Note. All data from WHO Statistical Information 2011, except (*) which is taken from Chia, 2010.