title: Sociodemographic characteristics of persons committing suicide in Durban, South Africa: 2006-2007.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Suicidal behaviour is a leading contributor to the burden of disease worldwide and varies widely between countries. South African figures are amongst the highest in the world, with recent trends indicating a disturbing rise, especially amongst the younger age groups, across all races.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study analysed sociodemographic characteristics and trends relating to suicides committed in Durban, South Africa during the period of 2006-2007.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of suicidal deaths (during 2006-2007), extracted from autopsy registers at all three government-run mortuaries in Durban, was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of suicides in Durban increased by 6.68% from 2006 to 2007. Suicide accounted for an average of 8.8% of all non-natural deaths per year of the study. The overall suicide rates of 14.53 (2006) and 15.53 (2007) per 100 000 population are comparable with national and global figures. The majority of suicides occurred in single unemployed persons, men and younger age groups. The largest number of suicides per year was recorded in black people, followed by Indian, white and mixed-race people. Hanging was the preferred method in the majority of victims, followed by self-poisoning, shooting and jumping.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate a disturbingly high suicide rate amongst the various population and age groups in Durban. The dominant methods used may be influenced by ease of access. The reported trends may worsen unless there is a swift and decisive public health response and cohesive community-based programmes which include a supportive multidisciplinary network.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal. naidoos79@ukzn.ac.za.
authors.forename: Soornarain S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Naidoo
authors.forename: Lourens
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schlebusch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*