Suicide mortality in India: a nationally representative survey

Suicide death rates in India are among the highest in the world, but few epidemiological studies of suicide have been done in the country. This paper relies on a field survey conducted in India in 2010 to provide nationally-representative image of suicide characteristics and aspects within the country.

The paper presents the following findings:

• about 3 per cent of deaths in individuals whose ages are 15 years or more are due to suicide, and a large proportion of adult suicide deaths occur between the ages of 15 years and 29 years, especially in women
• suicide rates are higher in rural areas than they are in urban areas
• residency in southern India is associated with an increased risk of suicide
• drinking alcohol and an occupation of agricultural work are associated with the risk of suicide in men, whereas being widowed/separated is associated with a decreased risk of suicide in women
• a higher education level is associated with higher risk of suicide for both men and women
• about half of suicide deaths are due to poisoning (mainly ingestions of pesticides).

The authors highlight that most Indians do not have community or support services for the prevention of suicide and have restricted access to care for mental illnesses associated with suicide.

Conclusions include:

• reductions in binge alcohol drinking through regulations, higher alcohol taxation, or brief interventions in primary care might reduce suicide deaths in men and violence against women, a determinant of suicide in women
• in the medium term, the most feasible strategy would be to reduce access to organophosphate pesticides along with public education to improve acceptance of restrictions to access
• further explanatory research is needed, paired with the implementation of comprehensive and evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.