| Suicide among black youths - United
States, 1980-1995. 47(10) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report p193(4)
(March 20,1998)(Footnotes Omitted)
Although black youths have historically had lower suicide rates than
have whites, during 1980-1995, the suicide rate for black youths aged
10-19 years increased from 2.1 to 4.5 per 100,000 population. As of
1995, suicide was the third leading cause of death among blacks aged
15-19 years(1) and high school-aged blacks were as likely as whites to
attempt suicide(2). This report summarizes trends in suicide among
blacks aged 10-19 years in the United States during 1980-1995 and
indicates that suicidal behavior among all youths has increased;
however, rates for black youths have increased more, and the gap between
rates for black and white youths has narrowed.
Data for suicides were obtained from CDC's National Center for Health
Statistics Underlying Cause of Death Mortality file(3) and were based on
the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision(*).
Population estimates were obtained from the Bureau of the Census
decennial estimates for 1980 and 1990. Age-specific rates were
calculated per 100,000 population.
During 1980-1995, a total of 3030 blacks aged 10-19 years committed
suicide in the United States. During this period, the suicide rate for
blacks aged 10-19 years increased 114%. In 1980, the suicide rate for
whites aged 10-19 years was 157% greater than the rate for blacks. By
1995, the rate for whites was only 42% greater than the for blacks.
Among blacks and whites aged 10-19 years, the suicide rate increased
most for blacks aged 10-14 years (233%), compared with a 120% increase
for whites (Figure 1). Among blacks aged 15-19 years, the suicide rate
increased 126%, compared with 19% for whites (Figure 2). Among black
males aged 15-19 years, the suicide rate increased 146%, compared with
22% for white males.
(FIGURES 1 AND 2 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED)
Firearms use was the predominant method of suicide for blacks aged
10-19 years, accounting for 66% of suicides in this group. Among blacks
aged 15-19 years, firearms use accounted for 69% of suicides, followed
by strangulation (18%). Among black males aged 15-19 years, firearms use
accounted for 72% of suicides, followed by strangulation (20%).
Firearm-related suicides accounted for 96% of the increase in the
suicide rate for blacks aged 10-19 years.
During 1980-1995, trends in suicide rates for black youths differed
by region.(dagger) The largest increase in suicide rates occurred for
blacks aged 15-19 years in the South (214%), followed by the Midwest
(114%). By sex, the largest increase in suicides occurred among black
males aged 15-19 years in the South (223%).
Editorial Note: Although suicides have increased overall among
youths(4), the findings in this report indicate that, during 1980-1995,
suicide rates for black youths have increased substantially,
particularly in the South. In addition, the difference in suicide rates
for blacks and whites has decreased substantially.
Risk factors associated with suicides among youth include
hopelessness; depression; family history of suicide; impulsive and
aggressive behavior; social isolation; a previous suicide attempt; and
easier access to alcohol, illicit drugs, and lethal suicide methods(5).
Changes in some risk factors (e.g., breakdown of the family and easier
access to alcohol, illicit drugs, and lethal suicide methods) may
account for the increasing suicide rate among youths. However, these
changes may not account for the increase in suicides among blacks aged
10-19 years. One possible factor may be the growth of the black middle
class(6). Black youths in upwardly mobile families may experience stress
associated with their new social environments. Alternatively, these
youths may adopt the coping behaviors of the larger society in which
suicide is more commonly used in response to depression and
hopelessness(7). Another factor may be differential recording of suicide
as a cause of death on death certificates. Suicide as a cause of death
may be entered less readily for black youths than for white youths(8).
In addition, risk factors associated with suicide among youths in
general may not predict suicidal behaviors among black youths.
Differences in the social environments and life experiences of black and
white youths suggest the need to determine whether risk factors for
suicide in black youths differ from those of whites. For example, the
exposure of black youths to poverty, poor educational opportunities, and
discrimination may have negatively influenced their expectations about
the future and, consequently, enhanced their resiliency to suicide(9).
Although youth suicide prevention programs exist, little is known
about their effectiveness in reducing suicidal behavior(10). These
programs also may not address the risk factors associated with the
increasing suicide rates for black youths. If risk factors for suicide
differ for black and white youths, existing programs for suicide
prevention that target black youths may need to be modified.
A better understanding of the risk factors associated with suicide
among black youths is needed to develop appropriate prevention and
treatment programs. Evaluations of existing programs to prevent youth
suicide should examine the potential for differential effects on black
youths. |
