Analysis on epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of suicide in different populations in China, 2010−2021

  Objective  To understand the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of suicide in different populations in China from 2010 to 2021, and provide reference for relevant prevention measure and policy development.

  Methods  The crude mortality rate, standardized mortality rate and years of life lost (YLL) rate of suicide in different populations were calculated by using the data of death cause surveillance in China from 2010 to 2021. Software Joinpoint 4.9.0 was used to describe the trend of standardized mortality and standardized YLL rates of suicide in different populations.

  Results  From 2010 to 2021, the overall mortality rate of suicide showed an decreasing trend in China (APC= −4.60%, P<0.001), and the standardized mortality rate decreased from 9.94/100 000 to 5.71/100 000; The annual percentage change (APC) was −3.89% in men and −5.62% in women (all P<0.001). The mortality rate of suicide in age group 10−24 years showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2021 (APC=17.17%, P<0.001). From 2010 to 2021, the mortality rate of suicide in age groups 25−44 and ≥75 years showed decreasing trends with the APC of −4.97% and −7.22%, respectively (all P<0.001); From 2010 to 2021, the mortality rate of suicide in age groups in 45−59 years and 60−74 years showed decreasing trends with the APC of −5.69% and −8.65%, respectively (all P<0.001). From 2010 to 2021, the YLL rate showed a decreasing trend (APC= −3.21%, P<0.001). The YLL rates in men, women and rural population aged 10−24 years showed increasing trends from 2017 to 2021 with the APC of 14.06% (P=0.003), 21.02% (P=0.001) and 13.80% (P=0.003), respectively; There was a significant upward trend in urban area from 2015 to 2021 (APC=18.10%, P=0.001). From 2010 to 2021, YLL rates in rural population and men were higher than those in urban population and women in age groups 25−44, 45−59, 60−74 and ≥75 years.

  Conclusion  From 2010 to 2021, the overall mortality rate and YLL rate of suicide showed downward trends in population in China, but the disease burden of suicide was still high, indicating that the strengthened prevention efforts should be continued, especially in rural areas, men and 10−24 age group.