Article 4
Demographic Factors Associated with Suicide in Trinidad and Tobago: An Analysis of Completed Suicide, 2000-2016
M. J. Nobie
Gerard Hutchinson
The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
Abstract
Suicide is a major worldwide public health problem and is a significant problem for Trinidad and Tobago where high rates are evident over the past two decades. This study sought to review suicide data for Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2000-2016 and identify demographic trends and the most common methods used for completed suicide. Of 1609 cases for the 17-year period, there was a 6:1 male to female ratio of suicide in Trinidad and Tobago. The mean age of suicide was 39.5 years, though the greatest prevalence was in the 20-29- year age group (23.8%). Indo-Trinidadians accounted for 65.9% of suicide deaths. The South, South Western, and Central regions accounted for 63.2% of suicide deaths. Poisoning was the most commonly used method of suicide, closely followed by hanging (47% and 41.8% respectively). Preventive efforts should therefore target these particularly vulnerable population groups and seek to detoxify easily available lethal chemicals and closely monitor those at risk for suicidal behaviour.