Health Policy Manag.
2022 Jun;32(2):228-236. 10.4332/KJHPA.2022.32.2.228.
Suicide Related Indicators and Trends in Korea in 2020
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 2Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- 3Department of Public Health, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, Korea
- KMID: 2534951
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2022.32.2.228
Abstract
- The aim of this study was updating suicide-related indicators, including the number of suicidal deaths, suicide rate, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We observed trends in suicide-related indicators based on up-to-date information. This study used five data sources to evaluate the trends of suicide-related indicators: Statistics Korea (1983–2020), Korean Wealth Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2012–2020), and Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2010–2013, 2016–2018), Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES, 2007–2013, 2015–2020), and Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS, 2008–2009, 2013, 2017). The suicide rate per 100,000 population decrease from 26.9 in 2019 to 25.7 in 2020. Based on recently available data, the rates of suicidal ideation were 1.48% (KOWEPS, 2020), 2.61% (KHP, 2018), 4.62% (KNHANES, 2019), and 6.96% (KCHS, 2017). Those of suicide attempt as were 0.07% (KOWEPS, 2020), 0.44% (KNHANES, 2020), and 0.32% (KCHS, 2017). Annual percentage change (APC) of suicide rate was -1.87% (Statistics Korea, 2011–2020). APC of suicidal ideation was -10.7% (KOWEPS, 2012–2020), -11.5% (KHP, 2010–2013, 2016–2018), -14.7% (KNHANES, 2007–2013, 2015, 2017, 2019), and -2.5% (KCHS, 2008–2009, 2013, 2017). APC of suicide attempt was -11.3% (KOWEPS, 2012–2019), -5.2% (KNHANES, 2007–2013, 2015–2020), and -4.4% (KCHS, 2008–2009, 2013, 2017). Although the suicide rate in Korea has decreased compared to 10 years ago, it is still at a high level. Thus, continuous observation and appropriate suicide prevention policies are needed.
