Citation

Ngwena J. J. Public Health (Heidelberg) 2014; 22(2): 155-163.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10389-013-0600-9

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to identify trends of suicide or undetermined injury, admission with suicide or self-harm among black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in an inner city area of London. Subjects and methods Retrospective data was obtained between 2009 and 2012; 2010 and March 2013 from the Office of National Statistics and Public Health Mortality files for suicide and undetermined injury and for admission with suicide or self-harm respectively. Descriptive analysis was done by charts, graphs and percentages.

RESULTS 192 people died of suicide or undetermined injury between 2009 and 2012. 59 % of these were born in the United Kingdom (UK) but outside London, while 55 % were born in London. Of those born outside the UK, Eastern and Western Europeans had the highest suicide rate of 51 %. In relation to admission with suicide or self-harm, 996 BME groups were admitted between 2010 andMarch 2013. Those of Arab origin, North and South Americans had the highest number of admissions (28 %), while Eastern and Western Europeans had 26 %.

CONCLUSION Suicide and admission with suicide or self-harm among BMEare issues that should be addressed. Rates among those from Eastern and Western Europe are of particular concern. Improved training is needed for primary-care workers in screening at risk groups and better referral to psychological therapies. This will enable better interventions in addressing BME needs. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; Primary care; United Kingdom; Suicide prevention; death; article; major clinical study; automutilation; minority group; Black person; BME suicide and self-harm; Psychiatric assessment; Psychological therapies