Suicide rates in Maltese Islands (1955-2009) analysed in European context using WHO data

Abstract

Aim: To calculate the suicide rates (for males and females) in Malta and other European countries with long series of suicide mortality as recorded in the WHO (World Health Organization) database, and compare the Maltese suicide rates with European rates. Method: Suicide rates were computed from the WHO database as rates (suicides per 100,000 persons) using the reported suicide and population counts in Malta and ten other European countries for a common period 1955-2009. Suicide rates were age standardized following the WHO recommendations. These calculations were carried out separately for both sexes. Results: Compared to other European counties, the suicide rates (both male and female) in Malta have remained at considerably low level as calculated over the full period. Maltese suicide rates have however multiplied since the 1980s. European data exhibit clear decrease in suicide rates towards the present consistently in several countries. Malta is the only European country showing its highest suicide rates during the 2000s. Conclusions: Although the suicide rates in Malta remain at considerably low level, they have exhibited a notable increase towards the present, whereas the European suicide rates are in decline. Becoming aware of this fact and the issue may help in building a suicide prevention programme to mitigate the situation.