Suicide among adults aged 30-49: a psychological autopsy study in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND
A surge in suicide rates in middle age people in Hong Kong and many Asian countries was recently observed. However, there is a paucity of suicide research on this subgroup of people in Asia.


METHODS
The next-of-kin of 85 suicide cases and 85 community subjects aged 30-49 years were interviewed by a psychological autopsy approach. Information was triangulated by interview notes, coroner's court files, and police investigation reports.


RESULTS
A multiple logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for suicide among the middle age people in Hong Kong: the presence of at least one psychiatric disorder (OR = 37.5, 95% CI 11.5-121.9, p < 0.001), indebtedness (OR = 9.4, 95% CI 2.2-40.8, p < 0.01), unemployment (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-17.5, p < 0.05), never married (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-16.3, p < 0.05), and lived alone (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-13.4, p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The data show that socio-economical factors had a strong impact on suicide in the target group. Further research is needed to explore any positive qualities that protect the middle-aged from suicide. The prevention of suicide in the middle-aged requires multiple strategies.
Wong
Paul W C
PW
Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China. paulw@hku.hk
Chan
Wincy S C
WS
Chen
Eric Y H
EY
Chan
Sandra S M
SS
Law
Y W
YW
Yip
Paul S F
PS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data