Abstract
Aim
The aim of the study was to identify trends of suicide or undetermined injury, admission with suicide or self-harm among black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in an inner city area of London.
Subjects and methods
Retrospective data was obtained between 2009 and 2012; 2010 and March 2013 from the Office of National Statistics and Public Health Mortality files for suicide and undetermined injury and for admission with suicide or self-harm respectively. Descriptive analysis was done by charts, graphs and percentages.
Results
192 people died of suicide or undetermined injury between 2009 and 2012. 59 % of these were born in the United Kingdom (UK) but outside London, while 55 % were born in London. Of those born outside the UK, Eastern and Western Europeans had the highest suicide rate of 51 %. In relation to admission with suicide or self-harm, 996 BME groups were admitted between 2010 and March 2013. Those of Arab origin, North and South Americans had the highest number of admissions (28 %), while Eastern and Western Europeans had 26 %.
Conclusion
Suicide and admission with suicide or self-harm among BME are issues that should be addressed. Rates among those from Eastern and Western Europe are of particular concern. Improved training is needed for primary-care workers in screening at risk groups and better referral to psychological therapies. This will enable better interventions in addressing BME needs.
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Ngwena, J. Black and minority ethnic groups (BME) suicide, admission with suicide or self-harm: an inner city study. J Public Health 22, 155–163 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-013-0600-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-013-0600-9