Pattern analysis of suicide mortality surveillance data in urban South Africa.
The typical circumstances of suicide occurrence in post-apartheid urban South Africa are described. Data comprise suicide cases from all geographical locations (urban municipalities) where an injury surveillance system has full coverage. Typical patterns were identified by means of a classification technique applied to eight variables descriptive of the events, their victims, and the suicide level of the cities. Six suicide mortality patterns were identified, most being race-specific and each associated with particular suicide methods. Preventive strategies should target local communities and specific population subgroups, and be appropriate and responsive to their sociocultural needs.
Burrows
Stephanie
S
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of International Health, Stockholm, Sweden. burrows.stephanie@sympatico.ca
Laflamme
Lucie
L
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002423:Cause of Death; D019352:Censuses; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012922:Social Change; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data