Abstract
Purpose
This study analysed suicide rates among first-generation immigrants in Australia from 1974 to 2006, and compared their suicide
risks against the Australian-born population. It also examined the associations between the suicide rates of immigrants from
23 selected countries of birth during 2001–2006, and in their home countries.
risks against the Australian-born population. It also examined the associations between the suicide rates of immigrants from
23 selected countries of birth during 2001–2006, and in their home countries.
Method
Age-standardised suicide rates (15+ years) and rate ratios, with a 95 % confidence interval, during 1974–2006 were calculated
for country of birth (COB) groups. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated between COB-specific immigrant suicide
rates during 2001–2006 in Australia and in their homelands.
for country of birth (COB) groups. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was calculated between COB-specific immigrant suicide
rates during 2001–2006 in Australia and in their homelands.
Results
Suicide rates showed a decreasing time-trend among all COB groups for both genders in Australia. The lowest suicide rates
were found during 2004–2006, compared to other year groups. Throughout the study period, males born in Eastern, Northern and
Western Europe and New Zealand had the highest suicide rates in Australia. For females, the highest rates were among those
born in Western Europe and the UK (including Ireland). Male and female migrants born in North Africa and the Middle East,
Southern and Central Asia and South East Asia showed the lowest suicide rates. There was a significant correlation between
male immigrant suicide rates by COB and the rates of their home countries.
were found during 2004–2006, compared to other year groups. Throughout the study period, males born in Eastern, Northern and
Western Europe and New Zealand had the highest suicide rates in Australia. For females, the highest rates were among those
born in Western Europe and the UK (including Ireland). Male and female migrants born in North Africa and the Middle East,
Southern and Central Asia and South East Asia showed the lowest suicide rates. There was a significant correlation between
male immigrant suicide rates by COB and the rates of their home countries.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00127-012-0499-4
- Authors
- Naoko Ide, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University Mt Gravatt Campus, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia
- Kairi Kõlves, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University Mt Gravatt Campus, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia
- Maria Cassaniti, New South Wales Transcultural Mental Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Diego De Leo, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, National Centre of Excellence in Suicide Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Griffith University Mt Gravatt Campus, Mt Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia
- Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Online ISSN 1433-9285
- Print ISSN 0933-7954