Factors like deprivation and transport density are linked to increases in suicide risk, according to a study published in the journal Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
A team from Imperial College London, UCL, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) analysed suicide trends in England from 2002 to 2022. They found that people living in areas with high levels of social deprivation, as well as increased rail and road network density, had a higher suicide risk. In addition, high levels of ethnic diversity, population density, and green space were linked with a lower risk.
There was no significant change in the overall suicide rate in England from 2002 to 2022 (around 11 suicide deaths per 100,000 people); the authors found variations in regional suicide risks. The North-East of England had the highest rates (14.48% above the national average), while London had the lowest rate (17.74% below the national average).
According to the researchers, this work helps to highlight the role of local social and environmental factors on suicide risk. The model they used brings new insights into local risk factors for suicide and identifies higher risk areas, which could ultimately help to develop regional prevention strategies.
This work aligns with the goals of the recently published 10-Year Health Plan by the NHS, promoting prevention and early intervention and a commitment to reducing the number of lives lost to suicide.
“Our analysis suggests that people living in deprived and isolated areas may have increased risk of dying from suicide – while some social factors have a seemingly protective effect. While many of these risk factors are well established, our methods could be used as a tool to track how these factors change over time and their impact on suicide risk and inform policy,” said Dr Connor Gascoigne, from Imperial’s School of Public Health and first author of the study.
“We know inequalities can have huge and lasting impacts on people’s health, but also on suicide risk. This work highlights not only the need for improved regional services focused on prevention, but also that national policies are urgently needed to reduce regional inequalities across the UK.”
Gascogne C te al. Spatio-temporal trends and socio-environmental determinants of suicides in England (2002–2022): an ecological population-based study The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 56, 101386