Socio-demographic differences in the risk of suicides in children and young people: a population level linked study in England, 2011 to 2022
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Background
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in children and young people (CYP) globally. Over the past decade there has been a steady increase in the number of suicide deaths in CYP in the UK. This study aims to identify socio-demographic differences in the risk of suicide in CYP.
Methods
Using linked 2011 Census and death registrations data, we created a cohort of 7,747,345 CYP aged 10 to 17 years in England. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using generalised linear models with a Poisson link function, to identify socio-demographic characteristics associated with death by suicide in CYP.
Results
The rate of suicide was highest in males compared to females (IRR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.5 – 0.7) and in CYP of Mixed or Multiple ethnic groups (IRR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1 – 2.0) compared to those who were White. We also found an increased risk of suicide where the HRP’s highest level of education was a degree-level or above qualification (IRR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1 – 1.9) compared to households where the HRP had no qualifications.
Conclusion
Our population-level findings suggest CYP living in households with better educated parents may be one of the key groups most at risk of dying by suicide in England. Whilst our findings support some similar risk factors in CYP as have been found for adults, the relationship between measures of socio-economic status and risk of suicide appears to be more complex in CYP.
Key Messages
What is already known on this topic
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There is limited evidence using population-level data in England for identifying inequalities in the risk of suicide in children and young people (CYP).
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Available evidence indicates higher rates of suicide in CYP who are: male, of White or Mixed or Multiple ethnic background, have poor mental health and a history of self-harm.
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Most research on the risk factors for suicide in CYP focuses on educational and familial issues such as marriage breakdowns and bereavements.
What this study adds
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This study is the examines the socio-demographic differences in the risk of suicide in CYP aged 10 to 17 years old using administrative and census data with near-whole population coverage in England.
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We found similar inequalities for suicide in CYP that have been previously reported in adults. However, in contrast to previous research, we also found a higher risk of suicide in CYP where the head of household had a higher level of education.
How this study might affect research, practice or policy
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Our findings highlight the key groups of CYP who are at a higher risk of suicide in England.
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Our results may be used in the development of future public health policies or interventions targeting these high-risk groups to reduce the risk of suicide in CYP.
