Suicide in Russia

Suicide in Russia is a significant national social-issue with one of the highest suicide rates in the world. As of October 2011 nearly one million Russians have committed suicide since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.[1] Researchers have observed a close association between heavy alcohol consumption in Russia and suicide.[2]

Dynamics

In 2012, 29,735 of 1,906,335 (1.56%) deaths in Russia were suicidal.[3]

The rate of suicide has been steadily decreasing since it peaked at around 40 per 100,000 in the mid-late 90s, including a 30% drop from 2001 to 2006.[4] In 2007 about 22% of all suicides were committed by people aged 40–49, and almost six times as many Russian males commit suicide as females.[5]

Alcohol and suicide

Heavy alcohol use is a significant factor in the suicide rate, with an estimated half of all suicides a result of alcohol abuse.[2][6] This is evident by the fact that Russia's suicide rate since the mid-90s has declined alongside per capita alcohol consumption, despite the economic crises since then; alcohol consumption is more of a factor than economic conditions.[6]

Teenage suicides

In 2012, the rate of teenage suicides in Russia was three times higher than the world average.[7]

2006 Statistics

Number of suicides per 100,000 by age group and gender. Russia, 2006
Age (years) 5-14 15-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+
Males 2.8 43.7 70.9 66.3 71.4 61.6 70.0 86.5
Females 1.1 7.4 9.0 9.1 10.3 8.9 13.3 24.8
Average 2.0 25.8 39.8 36.9 38.6 31.4 33.8 40.7
Source: World Health Organization[8]

See also

References

  1. Buckland, Lucy (22 October 2011). "Nearly a million Russians have committed suicide since collapse of Soviet Union". Mail Online (London). Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Heavy Drinking and Suicide in Russia" (PDF). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  3. "Демография". gks.ru.
  4. WHO Russia suicide statistics WHO retrieved on March 21, 2008
  5. One million people commit suicide every year globally RIA Novosti Retrieved on March 21, 2008
  6. 6.0 6.1 Demoscope - Demographic, social and economic consequences of alcohol abuse in Russia Demoscope Retrieved on July 6, 2010
  7. Kates, Glenn (19 April 2012). "A Spate of Teenage Suicides Alarms Russians". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  8. "Suicide Rates Russia" (PDF). WHO. Retrieved 14 January 2013.