Trends and socio-demographic determinants of suicide-related mortality in Türkiye: An epidemiological study from 2009 to 2022

Abstract

Background:

Suicide is a leading cause of death, particularly among the young age group, in Türkiye, a country with a high population of young people.

Aim:

The aim of this study is determine the suicide related mortality trend and some associated socio-demographic factors in Türkiye between 2009 and 2022.

Methods:

The study includes an epidemiological trend on suicide. The Turkish Statistical Institute’s data portal was used. The study population is 46,691 people (Male/female ratios = 74.6%/ 25.4%). Changes in mortality trends were evaluated using the Joinpoint Regression method with Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average Percentage Change (AAPC) analysis.

Results:

Over the past 14 years in Türkiye, there has been a statistically significant increase in the standardized mortality rate among males (2009–2022 APC = .76, p = .012) and a statistically non-significant decrease among females (2009–2022 APC = −1.62, p = .083). According to the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS-1) classification, the highest increase is observed in the Central Anatolia region followed by the Western Black Sea region (APC = 3.0 and 2.7, respectively; p < .005). While the percentage of primary school and below has decreasing trends (2009–2022 APC = −7.11, p < .005), there is a significant increase in the percentage of university graduates (2009–2016 APC = 10.87, p < .001). Regarding the marital status, there is a significant decrease in the percentage of those who are married (2009–2013 APC = −3.36, p < .001; 2013–2016 APC = 2.42, p = .037; 2016–2022 APC = −2.31, p = .003) and a significant increase in those who have never been married (2009–2013 APC = 2.63, p < .001; 2013–2016 APC = −1.36, p = .002).

Conclusion:

Although suicide related mortality is below the global average, there has been an increasing trend in turkey in the last 14 years. Analytical and intervention studies on the socio-demographic determinants supporting the increasing trend are needed.