J. Neeleman et al., SUICIDE BY AGE, ETHNIC-GROUP, CORONERS VERDICTS AND COUNTRY OF BIRTH - A 3-YEAR SURVEY IN INNER LONDON, British Journal of Psychiatry, 171, 1997, pp. 463-467
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.