SUICIDE BY AGE, ETHNIC-GROUP, CORONERS VERDICTS AND COUNTRY OF BIRTH - A 3-YEAR SURVEY IN INNER LONDON

Background information on suicide in ethnic and immigrant groups in En gland and Wales is limited. Method A three-year (1991-1993) survey was conducted of all unnatural deaths of residents of an urban area. True likely and 'official' age-adjusted suicide rates were compared by eth nicity and, for Whites, birthplace. Results Irrespective of verdict, 3 29 likely suicides were identified. Relatively few ethnic minority and White immigrant suicides had received a suicide verdict. Afro-Caribbe ans had relatively low, and young Indian women relatively high suicide rates. Rates of Scottish-and Irish-born residents were 2.1 to 2.9 tim es higher than the local base rate. Young White males' rates were high er than those of the elderly. Conclusions Classification of suicide is biased with respect to ethnicity and national origin. Rate patterns f or ethnic minority groups reflect patterns seen in attempted suicide. In this deprived area, young White male suicide rates have surpassed t hose among the old.