NCJ Number
127656
Journal
Medicine, Science, and the Law Volume: 30 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 225-233
Date Published
1990
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted in 1986 to ascertain whether previously analyzed trends in which suicide in Singapore occurred most among the older segment of the population and parasuicide among young females, had continued. The data was obtained from the Coroner's Case Register for 1986.
Abstract
A comparison of the rate, race and sex, age, and method of suicide and parasuicide revealed that the incidence of suicide and parasuicide increased in Singapore between 1982 and 1986. Those most at risk are Indians, who are predominantly Hindu. Although mental illness is strongly associated with suicide, it is not more prevalent among Indians. Contributing causes could be the higher rate of alcoholism among Indians and other cultural factors including increasing materialism. The suicide rate was lowest among Malays, who are mostly Muslim, have a less materialistic lifestyle, and exhibit a strong social support system. 14 tables and 24 references (Author abstract modified)