A large-scale study published in The Lancet Public Health has revealed a global decline in suicide mortality rates from 1990 to 2021, though trends vary significantly by region, gender, and age.
Researchers from the University of Washington, led by Nicole Davis Weaver, analyzed data from 204 countries as part of the Global Burden of Disease, Injury, and Risk Factors Study 2021. Their findings highlight significant regional disparities in suicide rates, with Eastern Europe (19.2 per 100,000), Sub-Saharan Africa (16.1 per 100,000), and Central Africa (14.4 per 100,000) showing the highest mortality rates. The study also noted an increase in the average age of suicide victims, rising from 43.0 to 47.0 years in men and from 41.9 to 46.9 years in women.
Despite the overall decline in suicide rates, the study underscores the need for targeted regional prevention strategies. In 2021, there were 746,000 suicide deaths globally, with men (519,000 cases) disproportionately affected compared to women (227,000 cases). The age-standardized mortality rate fell from 14.9 to 9.0 per 100,000 population between 1990 and 2021, reflecting progress in some regions. However, disparities persist, requiring continued intervention efforts.
“Progress in reducing suicide mortality is commendable in some regions and in some age groups; however, even in regions where significant progress has been made, suicide remains an important contributor to the preventable burden of disease in all regions,” the study authors emphasize. These findings highlight the importance of sustained mental health initiatives and suicide prevention programs globally.
